was more painful than the risk it took to blossom"
If you're considering therapy for the first time, it is natural for you to be curious about how therapy 'works'. If you've been in therapy before, you may be curious about the way different therapists approach their work
with clients.
There have been many research studies that have demonstrated that therapy is very effective for resolving many of the problems that people are struggling with, from marital conflict and relationship problems to more serious
problems such as eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.
However, therapy is not a 'quick fix', in the way that antibiotics may quickly cure an ear infection. For therapy to be successful, it requires you to invest not only your time, but also your capacity for 'staying
the course' and seeing where it leads you. If you are willing to make that commitment, the rewards may be significant.
Here's some of my thoughts on what makes therapy 'work':
Exploring your life experiences helps you to gather valuable knowledge that will shed light upon your current life challenges. By 'connecting the dots' between those important events in your past with your present
difficulties, we can work together to better understand and resolve the problems you are facing now.
When you can recognize the patterns that have held you back, you gain the freedom to respond to life's many challenges in new ways
Every person has within them the capacity to heal and grow. The process of therapy fosters greater self-awareness and cultivates the seeds of growth within you.
My primary orientation to treatment is rooted in contemporary psychodynamic theory. In my work I also integrate mindfulness and contemplative approaches.
If I think it may be specifically helpful to you, I'll include the perspective and techniques of cognitive behavioral psychology (CBT) in our work. This approach can be a valuable addition to
'insight-oriented' therapy, and may help you move more quickly towards resolution of your problems.
In therapy you will learn how to observe your own behavior, emotions, and beliefs with a calm and friendly attitude towards yourself, and to have a gentle curiosity towards your own
difficulties and problems.
When you are able to reflect on your life without being consumed by anxiety, fear, anger, or sadness, you will learn how these same emotions can be worked through and understood at a deeper level. This
deeper level of understanding is the necessary foundation for meaningful change.
