Why Consult a Therapist?

Why consult a psychotherapist when you could talk to a trusted friend or family member? What is it about some stranger with a degree, supposedly educated and available for consultation, who would have something better to say than the average person? Presumably, a certified, state licensed therapist would have certain qualities and information that would not be easily available in one place from anyone else. He or she also would have requirements of practice that would respect the safety of everyone involved. Indeed, there are the basic requirements for any form of professionalism. In addition, I have composed a modest list here, to be amended as insight requires. A psychotherapist would also offer,

1. Insights into an overall theory of emotional, social and intellectual development, allowing for a workable diagnosis.

2. An appreciation of societal and cultural influences, including influences from a media and our marketing-saturated consumerism culture.

3. Available instruction on mindfulness and self-care practices to cultivate emotional self-regulation and distress tolerance abilities.

4. A general theory of trauma and the process of healing.

5. An appreciation of spirituality distinct from religion.

6. An appreciation of addictions and the process of recovery.

7. Knowledge of the inevitability of grief and the process of grieving.

8. Willing to offer a nonjudgmental relationship where a person can explore ‘’be yourself’’ within appropriate limits.

The Importance of Initial Paperwork

Starting  December 15th, 2022, Office policy on paperwork:

Prior to our first visit, the intake information packet must be filled out, signed and returned.  You will receive several pages of insurance company information and legal forms to fill out. 

Insurance companies are specific about their requirements for office practice for psychotherapy.  They will have relevant information kept on file for any licensed therapist for in-person visits and audio-visual visits.  The forms are listed on another page on this website.  

This information is protected by confidentiality laws, however subject to legal subpoena and insurance company audit.  Use good judgement about what you write.  I have been through many audits without any problems because the necessary forms were filled out, signed and in the file.  Our work together will begin when the paperwork is returned. 

Different clients start from different places.

For some, medication dulling the feeling is sufficient. 

No curiosity. Others are willing to inquire into the present feeling to identify the old mis-perceptions that maintain the impairment.

Still others are willing to identify the source of the feeling, and correct the original disillusionment or trauma. The job is to experience emotions now that were not allowed before.

We may find yet another feeling, from yet another experience, that also is appropriate to address. Ultimately, the healing and growth process is to cycle deeper and deeper into a given issue, sometimes now, sometimes later, with the same or sometimes different therapist. We're done when there's an experience of acceptance and peace.