Many of the people I work with struggle with relationships because they have never experienced a loving, supportive, and trusting relationship. As a result, these same individuals continue to fall into unhealthy relationships. Clients have asked, “So how do you know what a healthy relationship looks like if you have never had one?” My response to that question is the therapeutic relationship can act as a model. Although it is not the same as a romantic or familial relationship, the core values of a healthy relationship should be there. These values include mutual respect, trust, support, consistency, commitment, and genuine care for the other person. When a client experiences a healthy relationship, they can use that healthy relationship as a source of comparison for other relationships. They also become better equipped at identifying the red flags of an unhealthy relationship.
My Approach
When working with individuals, I treat the whole person. I like to take into consideration the individual’s environment, emotional and physical health, and in some cases their spiritual health if they so desire. I believe these factors, as well as psychological concerns, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, can affect our ability to develop and maintain healthy relationships. I believe a solid support system can affect our general well-being and mental health. I work collaboratively with my clients to identify appropriate interventions. I often integrate therapeutic techniques from different theories and when appropriate I may utilize specialized treatments, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) or Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy (HCH). Some specific effective interventions that I use include the following:
• Learn more effective ways to communicate (with your partner)
• Identify the relationship patterns that are problematic instead of just looking at each relationship in isolation.
• Learn how to identify your needs and ask for what you need
• Learn new coping skills
• Explore your early attachment relationships (parents, siblings, etcetera)
• Learn how to identify your boundaries and how to put them in place
• Gain insight into how you affect other’s behaviors
• Identify your deal breakers before getting into a relationship so you know what to look for in a partner
• Learn what a healthy relationship looks like
• Learn more effective ways to manage your own emotions
• Learn how to balance your life
Deciding to Begin Therapy
Some people have reservations about starting therapy. One reason, I often hear, is that they don’t want to talk to a stranger about their problems. In other words, they may feel embarrassed, may find it difficult to trust another person, or they simply don’t want to be vulnerable. These thoughts and feelings are understandable, especially if someone had a bad experience with a therapist or had personal relationships that lacked trust and understanding. I recognize that starting therapy may leave you feeling vulnerable or even scared, but this relationship can be different from others you have had. My approach to therapy is to meet my clients where they are at. If trust and vulnerability is an issue, we can take the time to establish that trust. I allow my clients to work at their own pace while providing them with the knowledge, support, and acceptance they need to make changes when they are ready.
The fit of the therapist and the client is also an important aspect of the therapeutic relationship. Just like in everyday life, personalities can clash or complement one another. Therefore, it is important to find a therapist that works well with you. I am more than happy to provide a phone consultation so we may briefly discuss what brings you to therapy, and possible goals for therapy, as well as give you an opportunity to ask questions about my therapeutic approach, practice, and experience.
Insurance, Fees, and Cancellation Policy
I am an in-network provider for many insurance companies. Please contact your insurance company directly to see if I am in your network. If I am an out-of-network provider for your insurance company and you choose to use your insurance, Growth and Healing Psychological Services will submit the claims directly to your health insurance provider, if you wish. As an out-of-network provider, services may be covered in full or in part by your insurance company. Any fees that are not covered by the insurance is the client’s responsibility. The client will be charged the remaining balance. It is the client’s responsibility to check with their insurance company to determine coverage.
Appointments that are not canceled with at least 24-hour notice will be charged the full fee for that session.