Psychotherapy Approaches

Theories that guide my work

What that means for you

1. Humanism

-The assumption in psychology that people are essentially good and constructive, that the tendency toward self-actualization is inherent, and that, given the proper environment, human beings will develop to their maximum potential.

-A prespective that begins with a presumption of the inherent dignity and worth of humankind

-Specific theories include client-centered therapy, person-centered therapy, and experiential therapy

2. Existential Psychology

-An approach to psychological theory that emphasizes the subjective meaning of human experience, the uniqueness of the individual, and personal responsibility reflected in choice.

-Emphasizes the exploration and development of meaning in life, focuses on emotional experiences and decision making, and stresses a person's responsibility for her/his own existence.

3. Psychodynamic Psychology

-Therapy that involves the development, changes, and interaction of mental and emotional processes, motivation, and drives.

-The pattern of motivational forces, conscious or unconscious, that gives rise to a particular psychological event or state, such as an attitude, action, symptom, or mental disorder. These forces include drives, wishes, emotions, defense mechanisms, and biological needs.

-Emphasize self-umderstanding and focuses on how past life events have come to shape the person in the present.

4. Integrative Psychotherapy

-Psychotherapy that selects theoretical models or techniques from various therapeutic schools to suit the client's particular problems.

-Additional interventions may be drawn from:

a. Gestalt Therapy

b. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

c. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

d. Reality Therapy

e. Behavioral Therapy

1. I start by getting to know each client as a person, providing you with the respect that you deserve, and seeing you as a human being rather than a presenting problem.

I utilize a strengths-based approach to therapy, meaning that one of my goals is to learn about the strengths that you have within yourself, to help you recognize and develop these, and utilize these strengths to help you meet your goals.

I believe that all people have good inside of them, even if sometimes you have to work hard to find it. Each person deserves for that goodness to be found.

2. I am here to help you make sense out of your own world. I am not here to provide judgment, advice, or to get you to do things in a certain way. There is no right or wrong way to live you life. There is only what is best for you, and what that looks like is your choice.

I think that we all go through periods in life that could be called "existential crises". What I mean by this is, that sometimes we are all faces with feelings of meaninglessness, hopelessness; we are searching for purpose and fulfillment in our lives, but sometimes its so hard to find. I have been in that state many times. I am here to help you figure out what is important to you in your life, what your purpose may be, and how you can make the most of the short period of time that you have.

3. Please distinguish psychodynamic psychology from psychoanalysis. Whenever people hear the term "psychodynamic" they automatically think about Freud. While Freud did offer a significant contribution to the field of psychology and I'm sure has some influence on the therapy I conduct at this time, I do not operate my therapy sessions in the same way that Freud did. You will not be asked to lay on a couch. You will not be asked to free associate. Not all problems are your mother's fault. Not everything is about sex.

I use psychodynamics to better understand the factors that have influenced a person to become the person that they are today. I do not think that therapy should focus on the past entirely, but I also do not think that ignoring it is useful. Every little thing that has happened in your life has made you who you are. And that is great! Sometimes, events happen to us that make us adopt maladaptive, or not useful ways of coping, dealing with others, etc. My work is to take a look at those events, and help you to find better ways of meeting your needs.

4. Different methods work for different people. I like to utilize the method that is best going to work for you. There is no reason for me to stick to only one method, when there are so many out there.

If you have thoughts about methods that you have tried in the past and would like to try again, please let me know!

If you would like me to further define the additional interventions to the left, I would be happy to do so.

If you would like further clarification on anything on this, or any other page of this site, or have questions about almost anything, please let me know. :)