Individual Therapy

Psychotherapy is not easily described in general statements. It varies depending on the personalities of the psychotherapist and client, and the particular problems you are experiencing, and the age of the client. There are different methods I may use to help address different problems. Psychotherapy is not like a typical medical doctor visit. Instead, it calls for a very active effort on your part. In order for the therapy to be most successful, you will have to work in and outside of our sessions. I often give homework assignments to make your time in sessions the most beneficial. It is my goal to help you help yourself.

Psychotherapy can have benefits and risks. Since therapy often involves discussing unpleasant and sometimes very difficult aspects of your life, you may experience uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, loneliness, or helplessness. On the other hand, psychotherapy has also been shown to have many benefits. Psychotherapy most often leads to improved relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reductions in feelings of distress. But there are no guarantees of what you will experience. It is my goal to be compassionate while helping you to make progress.

It is important that you be open and honest with me, even if doing so is painful or embarrassing. Lack of complete openness strips therapy of its meaning and exacerbates psychological problems, such as dissociations and denial. I can only help you to the extent that I am provided with the whole truth as well as you're able. When working with your child, it is important that you are honest with me about the things that your child is experiencing.

Our first few sessions will involve an evaluation of your (or your child’s) needs. By the end of the evaluation, I will be able to offer you some first impressions of what our work will include if you decide to continue with therapy. You should evaluate this information along with your own opinions of whether you (and your child when applicable) feel comfortable working with me. Psychotherapy involves a large commitment of time, money, and energy, so you should be very careful about the therapist you select. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them as they arise.