The Therapeutic Process
When you agree to begin a course of therapy with me, you are trusting me and my experience and expertise to provide the highest standard of care. This may involve engaging in experiments that are unfamiliar and sometimes uncomfortable. While this therapy sometimes resembles the conventional picture–two people talking together, exploring stories and sharing suggestions–you can expect therapy with me also to include:
Formal assessments, such as standardized psychological measures, when indicated
When appropriate, and with your full consent, coordination of care with other healthcare professionals
Tracking and checking in regularly on your sleep, nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, medical issues, and life balance
Regular mindfulness exercises
Regular focusing exercises
In trauma work, EMDR therapy
Therapy, as I understand it, is an experiential process: we change because we have transformational experiences either in or inspired by therapy. Therapy, ultimately, is more about doing and sensing than just talking.
Even though each of the following can be useful at times, as a general rule you should not expect therapy to focus on:
Review of weekly events
Advice
Critical feedback
Coping “tools”
In therapy, as I practice it, I am not an expert who renders judgment on your thoughts, feelings, or actions. Instead, I am your guide in the process of coming to a deeper understanding of yourself. I don’t give you “tools” that you can use in your life. Rather, I help you discover and access your own internal resources.