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I was first trained as a behaviorist and client centered therapist and moved to a psychoanalytic approach in graduate school. I have since been exposed to many approaches of mental health treatment and theory. from Freud and Jung to New Age and Eastern Philosophies, I have developed my own sense of a Humanistic
approach based on the premise that caring for the client is foremost in the treatment process. I have learned the healing relationship between therapist and client is more important then the theory or model that is being practiced, and it is also very important for the type of treatment being practiced to be consistent with the needs of the client. In other words, I don't make my client fit into my treatment approach but create an approach to meet the needs of my client. I truly believe in total acceptance and recognize that the patient has the power and responsibility to make changes required to solve problems and live a happier and contented life. I also believe that the unconscious is a powerful influence on everyone's perception of who they are and how the world responds to them. Self-discovery is part of the process, as is learning cognitive behavioral tools to resolve irrational beliefs and coping with emotions.
I believe that unconscious thoughts, as well as negative or irrational beliefs play a dominate role in in the problems we face in our lives. Therapy will focus on getting in touch with one's true self and gaining a rational understanding of the motivations behind one's unhealthy behaviors and beliefs. with this understanding one begins to accept life situations for what they really mean. The process therefore develops an acceptance of the problem, increases motivation for change and instills a powerful belief and awareness that one can actually have the power to make the necessary changes that are required to solve the problems, which brought them into therapy.
I have learned that the most significant factor in successful treatment of an individual is to focus on the individual and not on the problem. As I have taught my students and interns " If you focus on the problem you lose sight of the individual". No matter what problem the client brings into the therapy, the solution will be unique to the individuals experiences, skills and personal development. We have to treat the individual not the problem.
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