We offer a wide range of services including:
*Psychotherapy *family therapy
*individual therapy/counseling *marital counseling
*I specialize in FORENSIC SERVICES
ü Psychotherapy is not easily described in general statements. It varies depending on the personality of both the therapist and the patient and the particular problems which one is experiencing. There are a number of different approaches that can be utilized to address problems effectively. However, it is not like presenting yourself to a medical doctor and having him do all the work. Therapy is an interactive treatment process, which requires a very active effort on both of our parts. In order to be most successful, you will have to "work" both during our sessions and at other times in between sessions.
ü Psychotherapy has both benefits and risks. Risks sometimes include experiencing uncomfortable levels of unpleasant feelings as it may require recalling unpleasant aspects of your life history or acknowledging and modifying current problem areas. Psychotherapy has also been shown to have benefits as it often leads to a significant reduction of feelings of distress, improved relationships and contributes to the resolution of specific problems. However, there are no guarantees of potential outcome.
ü In individual therapy/counseling I will meet with you (or your child) in 50-minute sessions, usually on a one time per week basis. While other family members may or may not have input into the sessions as you request, they are primarily individual and private consultations. I find that once the therapeutic process begins, one to two sessions per week are beneficial and sufficient. While other therapists may opt for more sessions per week, I prefer a treatment regimen that is as outlined above, unless there is a crisis, emergency, or acute care situation requiring more sessions within a shorter time interval. If your needs are for more frequent sessions, please apprise me so that I may address your needs and/or modify our treatment plan or perhaps refer you to another therapist.
ü In marital counseling, I will initially counsel with you and your spouse individually and jointly. These sessions may alternate at first depending on your particular needs as a couple, as individuals as well as the progress that is being made. It is often helpful to have individual and joint sessions in a single week; however, the aim is to move toward joint sessions on a one time per week basis during which the marital distress may be addressed from the couple's perspective. If individual therapy for one of the partners is indicated, I will apprise you of this assessment, and we will discuss modifying the treatment plan. This may require a referral to another practitioner. Information obtained in individual sessions will not be revealed unless you authorize me to tell your partner. Information obtained in joint sessions generally cannot be released without authorization by both individuals. Please see the section on confidentiality.
ü In family therapy, one or more family members may be seen in a single session, or in a longer session divided into segments to address both the individual family member's needs as well as the overall family's needs. Often, assessments of each family member's needs precede the beginning of family services.
FORENSIC SERVICES Some psychologists are involved in matters having to do with the Court system, legal matters and/or other investigative studies. This is one of the areas in which I specialize. Forensic services provided through this office include evaluation and treatment related to child custody and access matters, mediation of disputes, evaluations in personal injury matters, evaluations of competency and other assessments in certain criminal law matters including those involving military law matters. Additionally, trial support consultations and reviews of other expert's opinions are often provided. If you have been referred for a court related matter, you will be provided an "Informed consent" form. If you have not been provided this form, please ask a staff member or me for one at this time. Please review this form carefully and sign it in the appropriate areas.