What is therapy like?Depending on who you choose as your Halifax therapist, the experience itself can look very different.
|
|
Choosing a Psychologist
As described on the page “Halifax Psychologists and How to Choose One”, probably the most important factor is the “match” between client and therapist. That, is do you actually like your psychologist, find it easy to talk to him or her, feel understood, and trust that your concerns are being attended to?
Beyond the match however, are other factors you may wish to consider such as area of expertise, gender, language, education, experience, and for the purpose of this section, the model of therapy used.
In the field of psychotherapy there are many theoretical orientations – some more obscure (and with less research support) than others. Your psychologist’s treatment model will set the stage for much of how your therapy experience looks and feels. For example, it will influence:
● Your psychologist’s hypothesis for the cause of your distress
● Topics considered especially important in therapy
● Types of questions posed to you during counselling
● Specific intervention methods
● General approach in the therapist-client relationship
My Therapy Model
I am trained in a number of treatment approaches and integrate different elements of these models in a way that best fits my personal style and the needs of my clients.
Specifically…
● My personal style is warm, easy-going, and client-centered.
● Sessions are goal directed and designed to bring about actual change outside of the therapy setting. I believe that what my clients are working on in between counselling sessions is just as important as what is accomplished during the sessions.
● I include elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused interventions, acceptance and commitment therapy, and motivational interviewing to quickly encourage growth and tangible benefits without years of therapy.
● Gaining new insights into one’s personality and behaviours is used to bring about real life changes. Insight alone is only half of the process – actually doing something with this insight to directly improve your life or your situation is the next step.
You can see client comments about their experiences in therapy and my external RateMDs reviews here.
For more on my approach to counselling and assessment, see “What Are the Qualities of a Good Psychologist?” in my bio or email me directly - I personally respond to every inquiry I receive.
