Our Work Focuses on Learning:
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You will learn how to feel, particularly at times when feelings cannot be avoided, and when avoiding feelings makes them worse.
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To develop flexibility in your thinking, and to develop "cognitive flexibility." We will focus on what you are telling yourself and what you believe. You will learn to pause and notice your mind thinking, and then make a choice based on the advice you notice. You will get some distance between you as the thinker, and the thought you are having
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To enhance conscious awareness so you can be present to things that matter to you . Also, to promote here and now awareness that enhances your ability to notice when you are not present to things that matter and to make choices rather than do do things on autopilot or reactively.
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To develop a healthy sense of self that is not defined by what happened to you. You will become more aware of stories you tell yourself about you and what you are/are not capable of
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To become very clear on what matters to you, and make treatment in service to those things
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To actively engage and participate in life even if feelings are present. Many times suffering causes people to "check out of life” and wait to start living again until they feel better. This therapy challenges you to "act your way into feeling better," and empowers you with skills to do so.
What You Can Expect
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You will learn how to actively cope with stressful events, difficult thoughts, unpleasant emotions, and painful memories.
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You will learn how to live fully and freely (even if thoughts, feelings, and memories show up).
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Your efforts will be connected to a very strong “why” to inspire you to do hard things.
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You will learn to become more present to who and what matters most to you in the here and now. You will learn to be present not just to the sweet moments in life, but learn to appreciate and find life and vitality in the sweet and the sad. You will learn to make choices, consciously.
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This means addressing the stories you tell yourself about who you are and what you are capable of, how you talk to yourself, whether or not you are able to forgive yourself and practice self-compassion.
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Specifically in the areas of your life that matter, especially when strong emotions are present.
What does the first visit look like?
During the first visit, we will identify your goals for this consultation. Once that is clear, I will ask a series of focused questions that will allow you to paint a portrait of your experience. You can expect that I will listen closely, and pay close attention. You can expect that I will reflect back to you what I have heard to make sure I have understood you accurately. The interview often illuminates the problem you come in with and makes clear different targets (or focal points) that we could focus treatment on. We will then work on developing a plan. Typically I will provide a menu of options and recommendations, and then get your input on the course you would like to take.
How Many Sessions?
The "dose" of care is different for each person, therefore the total number of visits and time between visits will be unique to each person. Care is then adjusted (or titrated) based on your response to treatment. I make no assumptions about how long it will take to get “better,” especially if certain high impact changes are made. The goal is to "put me out of a job" by empowering you in such a way that you no longer need me!
Consultation vs. Therapy
Some people prefer traditional therapy, while others may just want to consult with a psychologist on a problem that concerns them. Consultation allows for a brief episode of care, sometimes just one session. On average, a consultation lasts 4 to 6 sessions, with flexibility to allow future consultation.
I am trained to provide Single Session Therapy, so if you prefer a more brief episode of care, and no commitment to a lot of sessions, a consultation approach may be best for you. If this is the case, please bring this to my attention during our first visit.