 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Services |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Therapy Associates Limited offers counseling and psychological therapy for adults, adolescents, and children on an individual basis, and in the form of couples' counseling, family therapy, and support groups. We are often asked what therapeutic approach we use at Therapy Associates. While our psychologists are trained in a number of different psychotherapeutic techniques and theoretical frameworks, we do not embrace only one particular approach or method. We feel that it is important to use a mix of approaches that is determined by the particular needs, personal styles and goals of the clients. However, we do feel comfortable stating that there are certain attitudinal commonalities in our therapy. First, therapy is nonjudgmental. A therapist is interested in understanding behavior, not judging it. In couples' counseling, for example, a therapist is not interested in taking sides or deciding who is right - that is a role better assumed by an in-law or friend! Rather, a therapist is interested in examining the problems in communication, behavior patterns, basic understandings and expectations that may be contributing to difficulties for both parties. In individual counseling, the therapist does not judge or blame the thoughts, behaviors or emotions that may or may not be causing difficulty for the client. Rather, the therapist attempts to examine and address the factors leading to thoughts, behaviors and emotions that the client finds problematic. Second, therapy is developmental. Although we see a client at one point in his or her life, the client has a background and a future that must be envisioned in therapy. As children, we all learn from models (parents, siblings, teachers and others), we adopt family roles, we interpret events through a child's eyes, and we establish a relationship to the world around us that is often related to these interpretations. Sometimes it is essential to examine the basic building blocks of adult behaviors in order to determine which of those the client values and embraces and which need to be discarded or replaced. Similarly, it is important to help the client envision a future that is informed by his or her own goals and desires. Third, therapy is client-centered. This means that the client is accepted by the therapist, and that the goal of therapy is the client's own self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-determination. Optimally, therapy enhances the client's ability to discover an inner power and worth, leading to greater awareness and confidence to face life's choices. Thus, therapy is in large part directed by the client as he or she becomes aware of issues that block self-determination. Finally, we feel it is important to recognize that the therapist is not an authority figure or an all-knowing being. When we are in the middle of life's struggles, it is often difficult to see our paths clearly. Like a man lost in a forest, we may not be able to see beyond the trees in front of us or behind us, and we can feel confused, anxious, angry, helpless or hopeless. Because a therapist is an "outsider," unaffected by the emotional turmoil surrounding these issues, the therapist can often see the entire forest and surrounding lands and can help the client to find his or her way to a path that is comfortable or joyful. Because a therapist is trained in a variety of methods and has dealt with a number of "forests," he or she can sometimes give a new perspective to the problems facing the client and can assist the client to find direction. |
|
About | Dr
Blurton | Professionals | Services |