Psychotherapy is a special kind of human relationship offered as an educational health care service. The goals of therapy are to help you better appreciate and understand yourself and others, to help you to develop skills in solving problems and coping with challenges in your life, and to encourage your efforts to develop in directions that you find fulfilling and meaningful. Our work will emphasize your strengths and abilities. Challenges in your life repeatedly ask you to exercise and refine your abilities. These challenges emphasize the importance of your choices and actions, particularly in those periods when you may see only limited or distressing options. I will do my best to understand and honor your distress. I may also suggest things that you might do. Developmental exercises may include our talking about your feelings, your problem(s), your experience of yourself and your situation. I may ask you to keep personal notes about your experiences or to complete some self-report forms. I will honor your needs for privacy, and I will respect your decisions about what you share with me. I encourage you to do the same. I may ask you to experiment with different ways of thinking, acting or feeling. Your imagination, your honesty with yourself and your commitment to your development will be important assets. We will work together in therapy sessions, and I will ask you to try some exercises at home or work.
|