Psychotherapy is a process that aims
to resolve long standing issues that interfere with our ability to form
satisfying relationships, realize our goals and fully experience the pleasures
and joys of life.
Individual psychotherapy is
particularly effective with chronically low self-confidence and self-esteem,
blocked creativity, shame or guilt, depression and anxiety, a feeling of being
stuck in an unhappy place, and a tendency to experience the same problems
repeatedly, particularly in relationships.
People with a history of trauma, and
people who are experiencing a post-traumatic stress reaction as a result of a
recent event, will benefit from trauma psychotherapy, a specialized sub-field of psychotherapy.
How Psychotherapy Works
Our sense of self, others, the
world, and how they relate to one another is formed early in our childhood, in
the specific context of relationships with our family, and in interaction with
societal and genetic factors.
Psychotherapy is based on the idea
that long-term, recurring problems occur when early beliefs clash with current
reality. Therefore identifying those beliefs and contradictions, and the
emotions tied to them, can open the door to life-altering change.
Whatever the specific outcome, two
of the most important goals of individual psychotherapy are to remove blocks to
one's potential, and to acquire tools to be able to deal confidently with
future emotional challenges.
Psychotherapy
insights often lead to new perspectives, new ideas based on new assumptions, a
wish to test them out, new responses from others, leading to new expectations
in a positive feedback loop, thus creating long-lasting change.
How long will I be in psychotherapy?
Each psychotherapy is unique and the
length of treatment cannot be estimated from the outset. Therapy depends on
many factors unique to the individual and to the scope of issues to be
addressed. Generally, the client senses that therapy has been successfully
completed when major challenges have been overcome. They will notice that they
have new energy, interest, and enthusiasm about other aspects of their life -
as well as the confidence to tackle new challenges on their own.
Successful psychotherapy also
depends on maintaining the momentum of the work. Thus, committing to attend
regularly set sessions is important. Most clients find weekly sessions the most
productive. Others feel that bi-weekly, or twice-a-week sessions are the right
pace for them.
How do I know you are the right
therapist for me?
This is an important question. You are encouraged to take your
time in choosing your therapist, and get the information you need to make your
decision.
You can use our initial interview to
ask the questions important to you, and to get a sense of what it feels like to
work with me. My style is empathic, intuitive, and interactive, and I tune into
the client's strengths, talents, and potential.
What are your hours?
I am available for day-time and
evening appointments, Monday to Friday. In case of an emergency beyond these
hours or on weekends, please go the the emergency room of the nearest hospital.
During our initial session we will identify additional resources you can use in
your specific circumstances.
Is my information kept confidential?
Yes, your information is kept in
strictest confidence. I may not disclose any of it to anyone, unless you give
me written permission. You can withdraw this permission at any time. There are
some specific exceptions to this rule, which are also detailed in the privacy policy
as follows:
I will not disclose personal
information to any other third parties except if I am made aware that a child
has been, is currently, or potentially being harmed or if there is reason to
believe that a client is a danger to themselves or others. In addition, if you
are in litigation, there is a possibility that your therapy file may be
subpoenaed. For more information on confidentiality, please view my privacy policy.
What are your fees?
I discuss my fees during the initial
telephone contact. My fees are covered via commercial insurance policies,
Medicaid, private pay and sliding fee scales that may be used in times of
financial hardship.
How long is each therapy session?
Individual sessions are typically 50
minutes long; 48 hours cancellation notice is needed in order to avoid being
charged for a missed appointment.
