What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a form of therapy based on having a one on one conversation with a professional about anything from general discomfort in life to anxiety, depression, couple, parenting or historic issues. There are many different things that bring someone into therapy. Sometimes people feel they just aren’t coping or a family member or other professional has suggested that they see someone. All topics are acceptable although some therapist specialize in certain issues.
Many different types of professionals practice psychotherapy. In my case I have over 10 years of post-secondary education from two major universities. My main area of study was psychology. Within this discipline I studied human behaviour, emotion and social interaction. When a client comes into a session with me I ask them to share their reason for coming into therapy as well as their background. I do this because I believe it is important see people in the context of their entire lives, not just a momentary snap shot. When I have a sense of history I can often see patterns of behaviour that explain why someone is in the situation they came in with. I can also help them identify the tools that they already possess.
If you are seeking psychotherapy it is important that you feel accepted and heard by your therapist. You should leave your therapy appointment feeling like you got something out of it. This may be some insight or some resources to further understand your situation or just a sense that someone actively listened to you.
My Areas of Interest As a Therapist
People often ask if I have an area of specialty. I do not have one area that I specialize in because I tend to like to work with a broad range of issues. I see people from the age of 10 into their 80s. The topics that come up in therapy range from stress, grief, communication issues, self-esteem issues, job and career dissatisfaction, parenting challenges, relationship struggles, historic trauma, isolation, feelings of being lost, overwhelmed, confused, burned out, impact of physical health issues. The list goes on.
One of the things I do is to help people identify what they are struggling with because sometimes this is unclear to them. I also like to set a priority list. It is not possible or productive to try to tackel everything at once. Sometimes it is therapeutic just to have someone help to figure out where to start. I like to provide guidance but believe that people have a great many tools and resources that they are unable to see. I like to help people identify these things and to apply them to the situations that they find themselves in.
I think that growth and development are essential to wellness even if it is painful at times. I also think that wellness is dependent on being able to be honest with ourselves and to accepting ourselves and our natures, warts and all.