I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason isn’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work, together, I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT) is a form of talking therapy which can be used to treat people with a wide range of mental health problems. CBT is based on the idea that how we think (cognition), how we feel (emotion) and how we act (behavior) all interact together. Specifically, our thoughts determine our feelings and our behavior. Therefore, negative and unrealistic thoughts can cause us distress and result in problems. When a person suffers with psychological distress, the way in which they interpret situations becomes skewed, which in turn has a negative impact on the actions they take. CBT aims to help people become aware of when they make negative interpretations, and of behavioral patterns which reinforce the distorted thinking. Cognitive therapy helps people to develop alternative ways of thinking and behaving which aims to reduce their psychological distress.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.
DIALECTICAL BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy or talk therapy that utilized cognitive behavioral approach. DBT emphasis the psychosocial aspects of treatment. The theory behind the approach is that some people are prone to react in a more intense and out-of-ordinary manner toward certain emotional situations, primarily those found in romantic, family and friend relationships. DBT theory suggests that some people’s arousal levels in such situations can increase far more quickly than the average person’s, attain a higher level of stimulation, and take a significant amount of time to return to baseline (normal levels).
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals. Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.
TYPES OF THERAPY
As an EMDR therapist (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) with training in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI). I offer special sessions for couples to help partners strengthen their relationships. In the session, couples learn specific skills to improve their relationship, foster romance, manage conflict, deepen intimacy, and develop a greater sense of shared meaning.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy, people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal. EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma. When you cut your hand, your body works to close the wound. If a foreign object or repeated injury irritates the wound, it festers and causes pain. Once the block is removed, healing resumes.
My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?
If you are concerned about your relationship, and you would both like to work with me, I would initially work with both of you together. After this work, if one of you would like to continue in individual sessions, I could work with only one of you. It is not helpful to move from individual into couple’s work with the same therapist because of potential trust issues.
MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY
I specialize in Marriage & Family Therapy and am affiliated with American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (AAMFT). In practice, I apply many different theories, techniques as well as utilize Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, communication, and how to move forward in the relationship. I support the client as they look at themselves and their differences and accept who they are.
If you've had the following thoughts, then counseling might be the right fit for you:
- You know that where you are isn’t quite working, but you don’t know how to move forward.
- You know it's time for change but it's terrifying to think of doing something differently, especially on your own.
- You are ready to let go of the things that are not working for you and create a life you feel good about.
If you are ready to explore how therapy can support you during this challenging time, call me today at 719-332-1246 for a free 20-minute phone consultation or send me an email at [email protected] for more information. My office is located at 6055 Lehman Dr., Ste. 102 Colorado Springs, CO 80918.