The Therapeutic Process

Assessment: Treatment will begin with one or more sessions devoted to an initial intake assessment so I can get a good understanding of your background, concerns, and any other factors that may be relevant. Using a variety of standard psychological assessments, we will attempt to answer the questions that brought you to treatment. The assessment process generally involves an informational interview followed by the administration of one or more educational and/or psychological tests. Although it is sometimes possible to complete the initial assessment in one sitting, it is common to take two or more sessions. When the initial assessment process is completed, we will discuss ways to treat the problem(s) and develop a treatment plan.

Treatment Plan: You have the right and obligation to participate in treatment decisions. Treatment goals are collaboratively determined during the initial intake assessment. As you make progress, you and your therapist will reevaluate and revise your treatment plan.

Termination: Ending relationships can be difficult. Therefore, it is important to have a termination process in order to achieve closure. The appropriate length of treatment varies widely depending on the patient’s needs. Usually, a mutual understanding that you have reached your treatment goals will be determined and treatment will end. However, you have the right to end treatment at any time, in writing. After 30 days of no contact, the professional relationship will be considered terminated.

Therapeutic Modalities: There are several different approaches that may be used, including psychotherapy, stress management, grounding, cognitive restructuring and emotion regulation techniques. Specific treatment modalities may include, but are not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy and Mindfulness.