My Cognitive Approach to Therapy

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Therapy is a process in which a professional relationship is established for the purpose of helping a client explore current and long-standing issues toward the achievement of such ultimate goals as emotional healing, self-improvement, and better life functioning. It is also useful as a service by which one can gain support, understanding and guidance in learning interpersonal skills, coping with difficult situations, and in making decisions. Each session is a forum in which your concerns and goals take priority, and through which you can gain self-awareness, increase self-esteem, and find new ways of handling personal challenges. Many people find the therapy relationship itself a very valuable means for learning about oneself, as well as one’s impact on others. In making your decision about therapy, I believe you should feel comfortable with the therapist you choose and hopeful about the therapy. When you feel this way, therapy is more likely to be very helpful to you.

My approach to treatment includes Cognitive Therapy (also known as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, or CBT) and Schema-Focused Cognitive Therapy. Cognitive Therapy is generally a brief, problem-solving approach to treatment that focuses on correcting errors in thinking that result in distorted views and negative feelings/behavior. Schema-Focused Therapy is an integrated model (involving elements of cognitive, behavioral, gestalt, and psychodynamic perspectives) that has been developed to address long-standing maladaptive patterns in thinking, feeling and behavior (these patterns typically begin early in life and are perpetuated over time).

My philosophy about psychotherapy is reflected in my collaborative approach to treatment. Therapy, in my view, requires active participation of both the client and the therapist, though the roles of the two will differ. Typically, the client brings forth concerns, issues to explore, and problems to resolve, and through the interaction with the therapist, often gains a clearer understanding of the matters being discussed. The therapist’s job is to listen, provide relevant information, guidance and feedback in order to facilitate the client’s progress. By applying your awareness and what you learn, you will be in a stronger position to effect changes in your life and to make wiser decisions in reaching your goals. Some common client goals are to feel better, enjoy greater satisfaction in life (professional and/or personal), establish and maintain healthy relationships, and to stop repeating negative patterns. Your particular goals and objectives are important to identify in the initial phase of treatment, and they are determined through a client-therapist collaboration. In addition, practical aspects and concerns (expected length of therapy, cost, scheduling) are discussed openly to enhance peace of mind and clarity.

During the consultation phase, we will first work together to identify what areas you want to focus on, as well as any goals you wish to accomplish. In therapy, clients and I typically address one or more of the following areas:

# Depression
# Anxiety/Stress
# Assertiveness Training
# Relationships
# Marital/Couples Counseling
# Substance Abuse/Addictive Behaviors (drugs, alcohol, food)
# Work/Career issues
# Self-esteem

Psychological Testing and Evaluations are also available services in my practice.

The first step is to arrange for an introductory consultation. We will find a mutually convenient date and time for our initial meeting. Day and evening hours are available. Please call (917) 751-6020 to schedule an appointment.

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