The experience of Psychotherapy varies depending on the personalities of the psychologist and patient as well as the particular problems to be addressed. My goal is to use scientifically-backed methods to help you or your child understand and work to change behavioral or thought patterns that are interfering with positive daily living. Psychotherapeutic work is a collaboration between psychologist and patient and requires active work both during the session as well as between sessions. Research has shown that the development of a positive and trusting relationship with the psychologist is essential for a positive outcome.
Psychotherapy can be short term (a few sessions) or long term (up to a year or more) depending upon the complexity of issues and circumstances. The individualized goals of treatment and projected frequency and length of treatment are planned collaboratively during the first few sessions.
Types of Psychotherapy
While I might employ a variety of methods during sessions, the following approaches are employed most typically depending upon patient circumstances and preference:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people identify and change thinking and behavior patterns that are harmful or ineffective, replacing them with more accurate thoughts and functional behaviors. It can help a person focus on current problems and how to solve them. It often involves practicing new skills in the “real world.” CBT can be helpful in treating a variety of disorders, including depression and anxiety.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) helps patients understand underlying interpersonal issues that are troublesome, like unresolved grief, changes in social or work roles, conflicts with significant others, and problems relating to others. It can help people learn healthy ways to express emotions and ways to improve communication and how they relate to others.
Psychodynamic therapy is based on the idea that behavior and mental well-being are influenced by childhood experiences and inappropriate recurring thoughts or feelings that are unconscious. A person works with the therapist to improve self-awareness and to change old patterns so they can more fully take charge of their life.
Supportive therapy uses guidance and encouragement to help patients develop their own resources. It helps build self-esteem, reduce anxiety, strengthen coping mechanisms, and improve social and community functioning.
Psychoeducation involves teaching the science behind mental health conditions and disorders. This knowledge and understanding of our conditions and responses to life situations gets us started on a track of working towards positive change.
Play therapy involves using play to help children identify and talk about their emotions and feelings
Behavior Management involves working with parents to teach skills to support and encourage positive behavior change in the home.
Medication: Psychotherapy may be used in combination with medication and other therapies. I do not prescribe medication but can offer guidance in sourcing a practitioner who can help assess the need for medication as an adjunctive therapy.
For more information about my services or to discuss scheduling an appointment or my fee structure, call my office at 215-862-8133.