psychotherapy

There are 3 possible phases to the work of psychotherapy in this practice no matter the diagnosis. Of course, these phases are not entirely separate. And, not everyone will want to work in all phases in a single episode of therapy. But here they are:

1. remission of symptoms and greater understanding of the experiences that prompted someone to look for help is a goal for everyone.

2. learning to live differently once some burdens have been lifted is the next phase. For most people feeling better does not mean that a lot of things “go back to normal.” It is more likely that we’ll need to get accustomed to living inside the changes we make. And,

3. for some, we’ll pursue what it might be like to be “better than fine.”

I’ve learned that the second phase has proven more and more important over time. In fact, I sometimes wonder if some the reason people don’t trust therapy to work has something to do with equating psychotherapy with the work of a fireman or an emergency room doctor. Psychology and psychotherapists can be very helpful in urgent or crisis situations. I’ve seen it and been a part of it. But the kind of change most people want from ongoing interactions with a clinician should include help for the benefits to feel flexible and reliable.

The third phase - what some have called the "4th wave of psychotherapy” work - acknowledges that we are meant to be "better than fine." When we feel better, we naturally look beyond ourselves. Sometimes to ideas we want to explore, sometimes to changes we would like to be part of making in the world, sometimes to helping other people in our lives in ways that can enrich us too. Sometimes people like support through those kinds of transitions. Psychology can help.

We will decide as we go where we think you are and what you would like to do next to keep things moving and on track.