If you suffer from a mental health problem such as anxiety, depression, phobia, self-esteem concerns or stress related issues, I can help you with psychological counseling or therapy. And since there are a lot of myths around therapy, first of all, let me explain how therapy really works.
#1 I do not own happiness recipes. Nor magic pills. And I cannot read your thoughts. Therapy provides you tools for solving problems and enhancing quality of life such as techniques for controlling thoughts and actions, conflict resolution and relationship skills and other cool stuff you must acquire and practice the same way you train your body doing yoga, cycling or jogging.
#2 If therapy makes you think of lying on a couch talking about your childhood, you may be rather surprised: real therapy has very little in common with TV shows. Although we will discuss your past in some situations (it took you were you’re standing now!) we will focus more on solving problems in the present and helping you to build a better future.
#3 And what about the idea of being in therapy for years? That’s another TV cliché. Of course some people may benefit from ongoing therapy, especially those suffering from a long-lasting mental illness. But the vast majority of mental health and quality-of-life issues can be addressed in a few months or sometimes even weeks.
#4 Therapy is sometimes viewed as a luxury but the costs are more fair than you might think. Also, remember all the pointless stuff you spend money on every day without even blinking. A handful of sessions can provide you with significant benefits and it’s certainly one of the best life investments you will ever make.
#5 No, I don’t just listen and say things like “How does that make you feel?” Although listening is a crucial part of the job, good therapists also talk a lot. This includes asking targeted questions, helping you set goals, and teaching skills that will help you meet those goals. I even assign homework to help you practice your new skills.
#6 Seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness. Quite the opposite, it’s a sign of bravery. It takes a lot of courage to be able to look in the mirror and admit to yourself that you are the only one responsible for the outcomes in your life. Remember, when life feels like it’s spinning out of control, therapy will help you control the spin.
#7 You think you don’t have time for therapy. Think again. I work weekends and evening hours. I do Skype sessions (as long as you are not in serious distress). Also, instead of the traditional one-hour appointment, I am flexible and can accommodate to even the busiest schedules. Let me ask you one thing: Would you go on and spin a square wheel just because you don’t have time to stop and put on a round one? No you won’t. Finding time for therapy it’s pretty much the same thing.
Now we are clear about what therapy is, let me explain how I can help you.
I practice cognitive behavioral therapy and it is one of the most studied forms of psychotherapy. This approach teaches you to recognize and change self-defeating thoughts and behaviors. It is especially effective at treating anxiety issues and depression but can also be very helpful for everyday issues, such as sleeping better, managing anger or adopting healthy habits. A typical CBT treatment course lasts from 6 to 20 sessions.
So, where to start? Mental health problems, especially if they’re chronic (persistent or recurring often), can be rather debilitating. Your body can respond physically to depression or anxiety much like it does to any physical illness. And sometimes, mental problems can actually be caused by a physical condition. So, if you think you are having a mental problem, the first person to see is your primary care doctor.
When you have checked your problems are not caused by a physical condition, please contact me so I can help you live a better life.
