The main purpose of psychotherapy is to understand what is contributing to the symptoms and problems you are experiencing and then to facilitate increased skills and strategies to alleviate those difficulties. Therapy is not something I do to you, but instead, therapy works best when you and I work together, collaboratively. This is because YOU ARE THE EXPERT ON YOU and, with my experience and training in human behavior and mental health, I can help you develop expertise in better identifying, labeling and processing your thoughts, feelings and experiences and evaluating how they influence your behavior and the choices you make.
So, just what can you expect to happen in therapy? First, we will explore your current and past issues and experiences in depth and begin to identify the patterns that underlie the symptoms and problems you are experiencing in your day to day life. Next, we will develop a treatment plan to best suit your unique situation and therapeutic goals. Finally, working closely together, I will help you learn a variety of new skills and strategies to develop a better understanding of yourself and improved ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving.
People often wonder if therapy can really help them. Yes, therapy can be extremely helpful; but there is a very important component that only you can provide for a successful therapy experience and outcome. That component is COMMITMENT
Your commitment to the work of therapy is perhaps the most important ingredient of all, because THERAPY ISN'T EASY. It requires real effort to achieve change and personal growth. It involves real honesty in your work with your therapist. And, therapy doesn't just happen during sessions. It happens between sessions, in your daily life when you take the steps toward change. Sometimes it will be hard to make changes, hard to try new things. But, if you are ready to make this commitment, as your therapist, I will do my best to guide and support you through the process of change and personal growth. It is important to remember that if you choose not to engage fully in the process both in and outside of therapy sessions, you will probably not achieve the desired results.
WHAT IS PSYCHOTHERAPY?
Nancy Lewis Smith PsyD
