My first goal when you come for psychotherapy is to fully assess your history and what problems you may be having. Often people suffer from problems that have been undiagnosed and unrecognized for years. When these problems are recognized and appropriately treated, people can make significant gains.My second goal is to help you feel better. I want you to be able to sleep soundly, feel less anxious and depressed and/or cope better with your day-to-day problems. So we will focus on current day issues until you are feeling better. If you choose, you can then continue in longer-term therapy. Sometimes people feel that they are under stress and need continuing support. Sometimes they want to work on long-standing issues. Sometimes people have difficulty relating to others or struggle with relationship patterns that recur. Sometimes people want more time to consolidate their gains and to feel secure that they will continue to feel better. Sometimes people just want to be in therapy for personal growth. Any of these are good reasons for longer-term therapy. Sometimes people ask me what my theoretical orientation is. This question addresses the fact that there are different schools of psychotherapy which advocate different treatment methods. My approach is integrative, so my goal is to apply the most helpful aspects of each school to different aspects of your treatment. Here are some of the schools that have influenced me, and how I might use their techniques in your treatment:
Behavioral: These interventions are often helpful for clients who are distressed and need more structure in their lives and better sleep.
Cognitive: The teachings of this school are especially helpful for long-standing depression and anxiety.
Eastern influence: Eastern philosophy has had a strong influence on psychology in recent years. Interesting findings continue to emerge. For example, research is showing that meditation helps reduce ruminations (repetitive, almost obsessive worries), which are common in depression and anxiety. If this approach is of interest to you, let me know.
Psychodynamic: The insights of this school are particularly helpful for working with clients who have interpersonal challenges.
Please feel free to ask me any other questions that you might have about treatment.
