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My approach in providing individual and couples
therapy includes the following important
components.
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My approach in providing individual and couples
therapy is positive, supportive and affirming of a
lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender identity and
intimate relationships.
My therapy process includes the following beliefs.
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- Being a lesbian, gay, bisexual or
transgender (LGBT) person is a positive and
healthy expression of our human nature.
- LGBT individuals and couples face unique issues
in our society including lack of acceptance,
discrimination, and lack of support from others.
- LGBT individuals and couples also face the same
issues as other persons in our society based on
personal history, gender, race, ethnicity, and
age.
- LGBT persons can lead happy, satisfying and
fulfilling lives whether we are single or in
relationships with each other.
- LGBT couples can have committed, loving and
fulfilling intimate relationships with each
other.
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My theoretical approach in providing individual
and couples therapy is grounded in several
clinical orientations. I believe that we have the
freedom to choose the life we want to live, that
we need to understand how the past has impacted
our current issues and situation, and that therapy
needs to focus on our ability to change the
present and address issues that improves our lives.
Choice Therapy
Choice Therapy or Reality Therapy is based on the
belief that you have the freedom to choose the
life you want with a goal of strengthening your
relationships and connectedness with others. The
focus of our therapy is more on current
experiences than the past with an emphasis on
making decisions, taking action and gaining
control of your life. Sessions are interactive as
we problem solve issues together and I provide you
with direction, tools, encouragement and suggestions
using a nonjudgmental approach.
Insight Oriented Therapy
The premise of Insight-Oriented Therapy is that
issues and problems in our current lives originate
in our childhood and past experiences. We review
your childhood and personal history with attention
to identifying underlying issues, unresolved
conflicts and negative patterns that influence
your current behavior and situation. I provide you
with insight in recognizing and understanding how
your past experiences have impacted your current
situation. I also support you in addressing past
issues to facilitate making positive changes in
your life.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy believes that we can
change our thoughts, feelings and behaviors to
address current issues and improve our lives. The
focus is on your ability to exercise control over
how you conduct your life. As we address your
identified issues, I provide you with specific
techniques to improve communication skills, change
negative or irrational beliefs, increase positive
thinking, improve social and relationship skills,
and change negative personal and relationship
patterns.
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My therapy process is individualized to meet the
needs of the individuals and couples I am working
with.
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- Individual therapy can range from short to
long term depending on your situation and the
issues you need to address.
- Short term therapy (3-4 months) is often
effective in addressing specific or presenting
issues that you need immediate help with.
- Long term therapy (1 year or longer) may be
necessary to address deeper underlying issues
that you present with or that emerge in
discussing presenting problems.
- Couples therapy is usually short to
intermediate term (3-6 months) in length with
the goal of providing couples with the tools
needed to continue resolving issues after
therapy ends.
- Most individuals and couples see improvement
in their presenting situation during the initial
few months of therapy.
- Weekly therapy sessions are encouraged
during the initial few months to ensure
continuity with some individuals and couples
moving to less frequent therapy sessions after
presenting issues are addressed.
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Initial Sessions
The initial few sessions provide you with an
opportunity to discuss presenting issues, learn
more about my approach and for me to understand
your situation. The initial sessions also involve
developing a positive working relationship
together. I try to provide you with immediate help
in improving your situation. I encourage both
individuals and couples to use our sessions as a
safe place to bring your issues initially in order
to relieve the pressure of trying to resolve them
on your own.
Personal / Relationship History
The next sessions involve reviewing your personal
history with attention to identifying issues or
recurring themes. This includes your experience
growing up in your family, the development of your
sexuality, and the history of your relationships.
Our histories include messages that we have
internalized and patterns in our lives that
influence our current situation and relationships.
The goals of therapy include supporting you in
keeping positive messages, revising negative
messages, and changing harmful patterns in your
personal life and relationships.
Issues Focused Sessions
Subsequent sessions involve addressing each of the
issues identified during the initial and history
sessions. Sessions are focused on with both
understanding why issues occur and problem solving
with you how to address them. During this phase of
therapy I encourage you to take an active role by
taking steps to improve your situation while
providing you with feedback, suggestions, specific
tools, and encouragement. Each session
includes a review of our previous week and an
opportunity for you to address current issues as
they are occurring in your life.
Periodic Review
My therapy process includes reviewing our progress
in addressing the issues that you came to see me
for help with. I provide you with the opportunity
to give feedback on a weekly basis and formally
review your progress every three months to ensure
that you are satisfied with the therapy you have
received. I may ask for commitments for additional
sessions as part of these reviews based on your
situation and needs. You are encouraged to discuss
issues regarding our therapy at any time and are
free to terminate whenever you feel it is
appropriate or that therapy is no longer needed.
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Remember that therapy is for you and is only
needed for as long as it is helping you!
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