FAQ

I think people often look at what they can "get" from therapy. Although this is a fair question, I often see the best results when it is more a dialog between two people. Essentially, the more you "put into" therapy the more you "get out."

I know I'm biased, but I think everyone can benefit from therapy. Although many people wish to reduce unwanted symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression, drug addiction, etc.), therapy is also helpful in gaining a deeper, broader and freer understanding of who we are. That's why I named my business "Awake." The point of life is to feel ALIVE. I believe therapy can help awaken those parts that are "dead" within us.

Good question. Therapy is a lot like dating. You only really know when you meet the person face to face. I often say in the first session that if you feel it's not a good fit, let me know. Feeling comfortable with your therapist is the best indicator that treatment will work. Don't be afraid to speak up.

First off, definitions:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A type of therapy that recognizes flaws in our thinking (cognitive distortions) and helps to correct them.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Offers techniques to help handle/deal with your emotions. Rooted in mindfulness & Buddhism, it allows you more emotional freedom so you're not a "slave" to your feelings.
• Analysis: The way we live our life now is influenced by patterns we learned growing up. Healing is viewed by recognizing patterns that are unconscious to us.

Oftentimes what is behind the question is the feel or pace of therapy. For example, CBT could be thought of as more "goal-directed" whereas analysis is more "free floating." Honestly, I have a very eclectic approach. It will differ with each person. I also find humor, when appropriate as a great tool. Laughing is a part of what it means to be human!

Honestly, the only real difference you need to understand is between a psychiatrist (M.D.) and everyone else (i.e. - social worker (LICSW), psychologist (P.h.D. or Psy.D.), marriage and family therapist (LMFT)). A psychiatrist is someone who went to medical school and can now write prescriptions. You generally meet with them for shorter sessions (15 min.) to discuss your medication needs rather than with a "talk" therapist (45-50 min).

Again, I'm biased, My first inclination is to sit down and talk about what's going on in your life and how it's affecting your mood. There are times though that medication is an important part in helping you function. If we arrive at that conclusion there are a number of prescriber's I can refer you to. Don't worry, I still see you too.