My
Approach to Psychotherapy:
The approach that I use in psychotherapy is determined by the
needs and
therapeutic goals of my client and fall under two general headings
which I
refer to as Solution-focused and Depth psychology.
Solution-Focused:
For clients with specific issues that they want to address
or goals they
want to accomplish. These issues may include couples issues,
vocational counseling, developing effective strategies for
managing attentional
difficulties, dealing with a life transition, GLBT related
issues, working with specific fears using EMDR and relaxation
techniques, working through a painful adjustment (feeling
anxious or depressed about losing a job or
partner) and/or improving communication and coping skills.
The basic therapy process
involves:
-
Pinpointing the problem and targeting specific treatment
goals
-
Identifying thoughts or belief patterns that are getting
in the way
- Developing
more effective strategies
-
Implementing new behaviors. The methods I use include Dialectic
Behavioral Therapy, cognitive behavioral and visual relaxation
techniques.
Depth
Psychology:
For clients who want to understand themselves at a deeper
level and/or are experiencing a lack of meaning in their lives,
have past trauma histories
often related to sexual abuse that they want to work through,
or are trying
to let go of deep seated issues or behavior patterns that
they have struggled with for a long time. These kinds of issues
may get in the way of feeling
close to friends and family, having long term, satisfying
intimate relationships,
and/or developing and maintaining a fulfilling professional
career. Problems from the past often prevent people from feeling
“alive,” or being able to feel
“at home” regardless of where they are. The length
of time it takes to
complete inner work depends on several factors: 1) motivation
and commitment, 2) support available in other areas of life,
and 3) the kind and severity of issues being dealt with. The
methods I use include Jungian analytic techniques, dream interpretation,
sand tray, and art therapy.
Children
and Adolescents:
I work with children using art, sand tray and play therapy methods. |
