Therapeutic Process

Assessment and Treatment Planning

Sessions are typically 50 minutes in length.  During our first two to three sessions I will conduct an assessment of your situation and current symptoms you may be having.  I will ask you questions about why you have come to therapy, how you have been feeling and what you have been doing that is or is not working for you, areas you are struggling in.  You will be asked to tell me about your family, friends, work and home environment and activities you enjoy. The more information I attain from you the better I can help you.  After the assessment is complete we will work together to create your treatment plan.  The treatment plan will consist of goals you want to reach in therapy.  This plan may change at any time due to your needs.

Sessions

During our sessions together I will work with you towards achieving your goals, whether they be to feel less depressed, get along better with your spouse or learn how to cope with anger.  The goals of treatment will be created collaboratively between you and I to match your needs.  Specifically, things we will do in therapy may include discussing your feelings, identifying patterns in your behavior, learning relaxation techniques.

I will work with you and teach you tools that you can use in your everyday life. We will practice these skills in sessions so that you become more confident using them and can ask questions about them as well.  To achieve your overall goal I will help you break down concerns or issues and work on them in parts so that they aren’t overwhelming.  I may give homework assignments such as practicing a skill learned in therapy in your daily life. 

The connection between our body and mind is very powerful.  I will address this in sessions with you as it relates to any symptoms you may be experiencing. We may discuss how your physical symptoms and emotional symptoms are related.  Often reactions to life stressors may appear in the body first before we are aware of the thoughts or feelings that caused them. I believe paying attention to our physical symptoms and utilizing relaxation techniques can creates a greater self-awareness. 

Termination

There will come a time for therapy to end and this differs for each person.  Some people come to therapy for a few weeks or months while others attend longer.  This will depend on your needs and is always open and welcome for discussion.  If you do end therapy and want to return later this is always an option as well.