What Psychotherapy Is

Therapy is not easily described in general terms, as the process varies depending on the personalities of the therapist and client, as well as the particular problems being addressed. Here are some basic ideas about therapy.

• Therapy is a unique relationship where the therapist bears compassionate, nonjudgmental witness to the experience of the client.
• Psychotherapy can have benefits and risks. Since therapy often involves discussing difficult aspects of your life, you might experience uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, loneliness, and helplessness. Please know that any of these feelings can be normal parts of the process and we can use these feelings to help you reach your goals.
• Psychotherapy has also been shown to have benefits for people who go through it. Therapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reductions in feelings of distress.

Greater satisfaction in life is gained by insights into how we address the normal anxiety and pain that come with life. If we avoid our physical and emotional responses to life events because we find them unpleasant and have negative ideas about them, then we turn normal life pain into suffering. We miss opportunities to embrace our experience and learn from it.

I am here to be a guide, teacher, and companion as you work through your reasons for seeking psychotherapy. I welcome the chance to help you.