23H East Market Street

Rhinebeck, NY 12572

(845) 473-4675

What to expect…

Psychotherapy or “the talking cure”, while having its roots deep in the history of humankind (we’ve always talked about our trials and travails), is a peculiarly modern invention.  Beginning with Freud it has evolved into its present state where at last count there were over three hundred “schools” of thought on the matter.  Obviously one size does not fit all  nor is being adept at all methods a possibility. My efforts over the course of my career have been to stay abreast of the field to the best of my abilities while focusing in on certain approaches that appeal to my sensibilities and utilizes my interests and skills. Similarly you can expect a therapy that is tailored to your own personality; that emphasizes your strengths and competencies and makes creative use of your “so called” weaknesses; that focuses more on the present and the future rather than the past, while respecting that at times, certain historic themes and experiences need to be examined.  I do not believe that mental health is a commodity that can be purchased or is definable by some expert.  Rather, it is a state of being, particular to each person, that emerges from their active engagement with whatever life is serving up.  We are healed by what we move towards—not by what we avoid.  I try to bring respect and non-judgement  to that process as well as a sense of humor.

That first session…

Some of this may be familiar.  There will be some forms to fill out and some conversation about background, history, medical issues, etc.  I’ll want to know what it is that your concerned about and what you’d like to be different.  We’ll probably also talk about how you’ll know when things are beginning to shift, what are things you think you are good at and what are things you enjoy.  However, in order for psychotherapy to be effective it needs to be collaborative, so ultimately you are in charge of what we talk about.  You will have a chance to ask questions and to discuss what I might have to offer.  My goal is that you can leave my office empowered, hopeful, and with a sense of possibility.  As we wrap up the first session if you think that we can work together then we will discuss scheduling the next appointment and the frequency and pace that’s right for you.  The decision to proceed is yours.

Thereafter…

Ah now here is where it gets interesting.  At least I find it interesting and would hope that you would find it interesting too. Expanding from your first session, we would begin to construct a solution that’s right for you. I bring 30+ years of professional experience, 50+ years of living on this planet, and a willingness to utilize any and all parts--both conscious and unconscious  of your personality and life experience to further that end.