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Many people think that
psychotherapy is only for those who have been diagnosed with a "mental
disorder." While some people who seek counseling have symptoms that meet the criteria
for some of these disorders, it is the person - not the disorder - that is at the
center of good psychotherapy. Everybody has problems in life. Everybody
experiences change. It is how we cope with these problems and deal with change that
affects our own well-being and our relationships with others. You do not need to have
mental disorder to benefit from counseling. You only need to want a difference in your
life.
All transitions, even
happy ones like marriage and childbirth, involve loss. Change forces us to
discover sides of ourselves that are new or unknown. While it may be uncomfortable, it can
also be exciting. Individual counseling is meant to offer a relationship through which
these aspects of loss/transition can lead toward the betterment of yourself and your
relationships. You can develop new insights into your experiences and relationships. You
can change patterns that may have worked at one point in your life but are not working
now. You can learn how to comfort and nurture yourself during difficult times. You can
have someone to talk to who will help you discover new ways of experiencing life.
Counseling is
grounded in the relationship between the client and the therapist. People come to
counseling for any number of reasons, but in general it is to either cope with or evoke
some kind of change. The client-therapist relationship is unique in that confidentiality
and empathy are inherent to the process, but the eventual outcome has little bearing on
the therapist's personal life. Although other relationships (family, friends, and work)
may provide a sense of confidence and empathy there are also long-term ramifications of
individual change that affect these relationships. Sometimes the most well-meaning friend
unconsciously offers words of wisdom, support, or advice that keep people stuck in
debilitating patterns. The supposed objectivity of the therapist eliminates this
probability. It's important to recognize that a therapist is also a human being, and
absolute objectivity simply doesn't exist. This is why your level of comfort and trust
within the therapeutic relationship is the most important component to creating change
within the context of counseling.
The best way to find
a therapist who will work for you is to ask people you know and trust, like
friends and professionals (physicians, attorneys, clergy, etc.) if they know a counselor
that they feel comfortable with. Interview therapists until you feel comfortable. If you
have doubts that the counselor can understand and empathize with your situation, find
someone else.
In my practice I offer a
free telephone consultation. This allows us the opportunity to discuss your
concerns and determine whether we have a good fit without the initial risk and commitment
on your part. If you would like to schedule an initial consultation or would like more
information, please call or click to
send an email. Make sure to include contact information.
I look forward to hearing from you.
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