Psychotherapy is both a relationship and a learning process. With a competent and compatible psychologist who offers you insight, information, encouragement and support, therapy provides a place where you can safely explore your feelings, thoughts, relationships and behavior.Most people seek out therapy because they have a strong desire to improve their life, yet, are unable to move past or let go of old self-defeating patterns. Difficulties often include relationship turbulence, communication chaos, career confusion, frequent mood changes, anxiety, depression, stress and tension, any of which may be affecting one's work, relationships, confidence and self-esteem.Short-term therapy can help you cope with specific problems by helping you clarify your thinking and alter your emotional responses. Long-term therapy can transform your life -- from one that's plagued with negativity, pessimism and tension, to one that's fulfilling, productive and enriched.
How exactly does all this happen?
There's no simple answer to this question. There are many types of psychotherapy and therapeutic orientations. My approach to therapy is based on an educational model, (not a medical model). I am eclectic, using the best of these methods:
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Cognitive Therapy which focuses on changing irrational beliefs and erroneous thinking.
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Behavior-Modification Therapy which focuses on changing maladaptive behaviors and avoidance patterns.
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Gestalt Therapy which focuses on acknowledging and accepting all parts of oneself in order to live as a creative and integrated "whole" person.
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Psychodynamic Therapy which highlights the influence of relationships, emotions, childhood experiences and intrapsychic conflict.
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Systems Therapy (family and couple) which accents the influence of the system (family, community, work) in which you are living.In addition, I use Life Coaching, which is an alternative approach to psychotherapy. Because coaching has been so successful in helping athletes and artists achieve their goals and improve their performance, coaching is now making a rapid expansion into other areas of life.
How does coaching differ from psychotherapy?
Coaching is particularly effective for those who know their goals, work well on their own and are emotionally stable. Here's an example of how coaching may work.Let's say that you're a professional, executive or entrepreneur. Though you are doing well, you know you're capable of doing even better. Yet, it's not happening. You're not sure if it relates to fear, self-sabotage, procrastination, negative energy, poor communication skills, relationship difficulties or the need for increased knowledge about self-presentation, group dynamics, hierarchical power, marketing strategies or organizational structure.Think of how helpful it would be if you could discuss your situation with a personal coach or consultant who is objective and nonjudgmental. Though your coach is not an expert in your field, she is an expert in problem solving, creative thinking, group dynamics, communication skills, relationship skills and emotional regulation and expression.A coach functions as a mentor, a strategist, an idea person, a taskmaster and a motivator. She helps you define the problem, then assists you in developing the necessary skills to confront the challenges you face. This is accomplished by creating options and strategies, establishing a plan of action, exploring psychological resistance as well as motivating you to follow through on your game plan. Coaching sessions are helpful in achieving both professional and personal goals.
