Why Psychotherapy?

Most often, we seek out professional counseling because we feel like we have tried everything to resolve our emotional distress.  Stress is very difficult to relieve on our own because it is usually a mixture or combination of different parts of our lives.  Thus, it is hard to identify the specific causes and sources of our current situation.  We all experience stress in some form related to our identity, relationships, work or school.  In addition, stress can affect different areas of our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual components.  As a psychotherapist, I use an integrative and holistic approach to help individuals examine their experiences that may be reinforcing emotional pain.  During the course of our lives, we develop self protective mechanisms that are understandable at that time of the initial experience.  However, as we move forward in our lives and have new experiences, our familiar responses can become ineffective and even worsen the present situation.   The brain struggles to adapt to new approaches because it cannot automatically integrate all of the components of our experiences.   My intention is to help individuals realize the traps that can block emotional balance and identify their own full potential and inner wisdom that can lead to a more satisfying and meaningful life.   

What are the benefits?

Psychotherapy can be used to assist with a wide range of mental health symptoms including depression, anxiety and relationship conflict.  If people can develop a deeper understanding of their thoughts, feelings and experiences they can develop an awareness of what they need to cope in difficult situations.   Research concludes that the primary reason psychotherapy works is due to the relationship that develops between client and therapist.  Finding the right therapist allows for a person to be comfortable enough to open up and confront their problems while feeling heard, understood and accepted.  The type of relationship you have with your therapist will determine the outcome and benefits of therapy.  Thus, it is recommended to meet with several therapists to determine the type of relationship that will be the most valuable.