Perhaps there have been times when your life lacked a sense of joy or satisfaction.
Many times, in our lives we come to a point where we feel either stuck or at an impasse. We’ve tried various ways of coping over and over again hoping for new results, but often coming to the same impasse. Sometimes because of depressed feelings we feel trapped and unable to respond or think clearly about options.
At other times anxiety may interfere by immobilizing us with fear and apprehension about the future. Relationships can become stuck whether between husband and wife or parent and child. We end up feeling somewhat hopeless and frustrated. It is times like these that psychotherapy can be of great assistance. Sometimes just the process of explaining our situation to a non-judgmental person can act as a clarifying influence resulting in a new perspective or direction. We often come to know ourselves better when we speak in a safe atmosphere to someone who has expressed an interest. In many instances we actually know what we should do, but we feel blocked and unable to move. There are times when even though we have tried something new we have had difficulty sustaining these new behaviors and within a few weeks we have lapsed back into old patterns. With the encouragement of a skilled, caring, supportive therapist we will be able to move forward and try new behaviors which before seemed impossible or extremely difficult.
These are all ways of talking about therapy. What is the most important as you consider entering a therapy experience is to locate a safe place and a person who will listen with respect for the wisdom and experience you bring to the process. I feel I have learned to do this type of listening in my role as a therapist over the past 30 years.
Psychologists (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) are highly trained professionals in the area of mental health. They are trained specifically in observing behavior, evaluating thoughts and feelings, and helping individuals develop new patterns of behavior that enhance personal growth. Psychologists, after graduating from college, spend an average of five to seven years in training before receiving a doctorate. Psychologists additionally must complete a clinical internship in a hospital or organized health setting before graduation. After receiving their doctorate, they must have a year of supervised training before being licensed to practice independently. Psychologists have specialty areas of expertise, such as children, families, education, neuropsychology, and many others. Psychologists are licensed by states. Renewal of this license depends upon holding to the ethics of the profession, demonstration of competence and requires continuing education.
Psychologists are unique in the mental health field in their training and use of psycho-diagnostic instruments. These instruments are beneficial for evaluating symptoms and disorders such as ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, etc.
A psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. Training includes an undergraduate degree, four years of medical school and at least four years of psychiatric residency (five years for child, geriatric and other specialty psychiatrists). This intensive medical training prepares psychiatrists to attend to the biological, psychological and social aspects of mental disorders. Psychiatrists treat a broad range of mental health problems across the life cycle from children to senior citizens. Treatment may include hospital or clinic work with individuals, their families, groups and consulting to primary care or other physicians.
An appointment is 55 minutes involving an initial assessment of the problem and then on-going meetings for a course of short-term treatment, usually between 8 to 25 sessions depending on the focus of treatment.
I can help with problems such as depression, anxiety, conflict at home or work, ADHD, school problems, family or couple conflict, trauma, grief and loss, substance abuse, and many other specific problems, which affect individuals, couples, children or families in everyday life.
You may also be helped through coordination with your primary care physician, a referral to our psychiatric services or a referral for support services in your community.
A therapy relationship occurs between a person who wants to work on a problem and a person who is specially trained to help with that process. In therapy new options can be considered and tried out without the fear of either failure or disapproval.
Therapy is a very special situation somewhat different from a relationship between friends because the counselor is there to help you, but you are not expected to reciprocate. In a friendship there is certainly sharing and support, but the emphasis is often on the mutual give and take. In a therapy relationship the focus remains exclusively on your thoughts and feelings. The time belongs to you.
Therapy can last from several sessions to several years. Much of the change that takes place occurs in the first few sessions. Later sessions will sustain the focus and reinforce changes made. The longer the therapy the more likely changes will be permanent.
Most people start by coming once a week. During periods of crisis more than once a week is helpful. Sessions can be spaced 2 to 3 weeks apart to give greater opportunity to practice skills learned. Many people return as needed as situations occur where support and clarification are helpful.
Currently contracted with the following major insurance companies (this may change some early 2025):
Aetna
Care Oregon
Kaiser
Medicare
MODA
Pacific Source
PacifiCare / Optum / United Healthcare
Providence
Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield
TriWest / Tricare
Most insurance companies have several different plans they offer. We always recommend that you call your insurance company to check on your mental health/behavioral health benefits. They can tell you if you have a deductible or copayment, and can verify if the provider you choose is on your particular plan.