I favor a brief, problem-oriented approach to psychotherapy with an emphasis on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic Therapy. I also offer longer-term supportive therapy when that’s the best approach. When appropriate, I prescribe medication.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy replaces non-productive habits of thought and behavior with new ways of perceiving situations, thinking about them, and acting within them to achieve more satisfying outcomes. It’s based on the realization that you can choose your thoughts. Irrational and distorted thinking produces maladaptive behavior. Changing your thinking pattern can change your outlook, your behavior, and your life. Initially, new ways of thinking can feel foreign and contrived. However, if we act as though we feel a certain way, those thoughts and feelings can become a reality. When we practice looking for opportunities rather than threats, for positives rather than negatives, we gradually become quick and sure at recognizing and embracing positives.
The changes we practice become our nature.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is widely accepted as one of the most effective forms of treatment for a variety of common conditions.
Psychodynamic Therapy, also known as insight-oriented therapy, looks at the reasons we think, feel, and behave as we do. Sometimes just realizing where we acquired an irrational fear, belief, or habit is enough by itself to free us from it. Other times it provides us the conviction or the understanding to work on changing an attitude or a reaction that we know is harmful. Insight often helps us be easier on ourselves (and maybe on others, too) when we recognize there’s a reason we feel or behave as we do, even as we recognize that the reason may no longer be a good one.
Psychodynamic Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy enhance each other as powerful tools for change.
Medication can be a valuable part of treatment for some conditions. Sometimes it is essential. When areas of the brain are over-stimulated or under-stimulated, or when nerve impulses are distorted, the brain may function oddly and respond poorly to therapy. Our biochemistry may keep us in a rut. The right medication can improve the results of therapy. Research has proven that moderate to severe depression responds better to a combination of medication and therapy than to therapy or medication alone. Similar results are apparent in a variety of other conditions.
But each person is unique. Not every patient requires medication. Among those who do, responses vary. The medication or the dosage that works for one patient may not be right for another patient even if their cases are otherwise similar. I respect this individuality. I recognize that many patients are concerned about medications and their potential side effects. I know that you may come to me with a successful or unsuccessful history on one medication or another. I will explain the choices available and give you my realistic assessment of potential benefits and drawbacks from each. I will listen to your concerns and preferences and I’ll work with you to arrive at a medically appropriate choice that is suited to your needs.
Please feel free to call me at (404) 327-5194 to learn more about my approach.
Popularity: 7%
