This blog is intended as a way for you to learn my therapy style and to know before you pick up the phone if I may be a good fit for you.
So first up, let’s start with a definition of health. For most of us, we may struggle to come up with a succinct definition and say, “I’d know it when I see it.” The best definition of it I’ve ever heard: health is the capacity to love and to work. This is an excellent starting point for our work; it’s a way to measure progress, and if you have a better definition, we can use that.
People see therapists because something in their life isn’t working. Let’s say we’re meeting for the first time; you’ll probably explain a little about what’s bothering you, or “the problem.” Then we’ll likely discuss the impact it has on your life, and sometimes people get stuck there. My style is to use your inherent strengths to move you through “the problem” to the solution. At some point, probably early on, I’ll likely ask you to take a strengths test.
It’s also important, at least the way I work, to have goals. Maybe you want to be happier, or to get a better job, or to be less anxious. These are great goals, and if you have other, bigger goals, let’s talk about them!
Our work is designed to be confidential. You, the client, have the right to share, or to allow me to share, your information. Most people use their insurance to pay for most the cost of therapy; please note that in order for you to do so, you’ll give me permission to let your insurance company know that we’re working together. Your insurance company will ask me to describe “the problem” in terms of a mental health diagnosis. If you don’t want to share this information with an insurance company, then you may pay privately.
And if you’re at risk of hurting yourself or others, then I must break confidentiality.
There’s a lot more to a therapy experience, and this is a good start.