Common Questions about Psychotherapy

What can I expect?

If you are a newcomer to therapy, you may have questions about how it works. Perhaps you have developed a perception of it based on television and film.

In general, individual sessions last 45 minutes. When you first walk into the session, you probably want relief from what is troubling you most. The first session and the 2-3 following it will focus on gathering information and getting acqainted. Hopefully you will leave with a sense of relief after the initial session, because you have taken the first step. The problems you have may not be resolved, but our goal is that you leave with a sense of hope. Therapy is a joint process, involving action on your part and mine as the therapist. Making a phone call is the first step.

DESCRIPTIONS OF OUR THERAPY APPROACHES

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) therapy focuses on the impact of  thoughts on one's behaviors and moods. 

The therapist assists the client with identifying negative patterns in thinking and developing adaptive alternative thoughts. As a CBT therapist you can expect me to be an active, problem-focused, and goal-directed partner with you to build new skills to enhance your life. Our goal is to help you become your own CBT therapist, actively identifying, evaluating, and changing dysfunctional thinking patterns so you can live a more satisfied life.Studies of CBT have shown its usefulness with a wide spectrum of problems, including mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse disorders, and relationship difficulties. In research studies, CBT has been shown to be as useful as antidepressant medication for individuals with mild to moderate depression and is considered more effective at preventing relapse than medication only.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Do you feel stuck in your life due to emotional or physical pain? Do you want to stop struggling and approach negative emotions and feelings differently?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on creating a rich life regardless of the pain and stress you experience. The therapist focuses on helping you identify and commit to your values using mindfulness techniques and helping you learn psychological skills to reduce the influence of painful experiences. We will then help you work toward your values so you can live a vital, full life.

Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) 

If you have suffered from depression for more than 2 years,  you may have chronic depression (dysthymia). 

CBASP is a therapeutic technique that has been the most successful in research studies with chronically depressed individuals. Therapy sessions focus on helping clients reconnect with others and identifying the impact of their behavior on those around them to relieve depression. The therapist empowers the client to develop problem-solving skills and techniques to improve their relationships.

Behavior Therapy (BT) 

Do you have some behaviors that have been hard to get rid of, such as lack of motivation, insomnia, and weight loss? 

Behavior therapy is a practical psychotherapy aimed at changing unwanted behaviors and increasing desired behaviors. It is used with a variety of problems and usually involves fewer sessions than other therapies. After a thorough analysis of the undesired behavior, the therapist and client develop a treatment strategy to learn new behaviors to replace them. 

Mindfulness

Are you experiencing a lot of stress, find it hard to remain calm and balanced throughout the day, or find yourself thinking about the future?

Mindfulness techniques will help you pay attention to your present state of being by focusing on your breath, your thoughts, and your feelings without being overcome by them.  These skills will enable you to cope with difficult situations by viewing your thoughts in a new way.

Christian Counseling

Have you been considering therapy, but had difficulty finding a Christian therapist? Are you a Christian couple that was recommended by your pastor or church for counseling?

Perhaps you have been in psychotherapy before and felt limited about what you could discuss regarding your Christian faith. You might have received counseling at your church and feel that you need someone who is expertly trained to handle some of the problems you have been facing. If you are a Christian couple that is married or seriously considering marriage, working with a licensed Christian psychologist can provide you with the added clinical expertise you need. The Christian Counseling approach is wholistic, embracing the mind, body, and spirit. We offer faith-based counseling focusing on life issues from a spiritual perspective.