What sort of counseling modality do you use? For individual therapy, I primarily apply the psychodynamic treatment method, where we look at past patterns, including any abuse and trauma, in relationships with friends and family in order to gain awareness of reasons you feel unhappy, anxious, or overwhelmed. This involves processing issues and feelings about past and present concerns and making "connections". Empowered with self-awareness and coping skills, functioning and overall happiness in life improves greatly. For couples therapy, I also utilize psychodynamic approach along with some Imago techniques to address underlying conflicts and improve communication and understanding with your partner. Therapy is conducted in a relaxed atmosphere without judgement or "preaching." Sessions involve letting go of guilt and other old, unhealthy ideas in order to improve self-esteem and confidence in your ability to approach life's challenges whether individually or within the setting of couples counseling.
How do I know if I need counseling? Usually a person decides to see a therapist when he/she is tired of dealing with a personal problem alone. I often hear, "I just couldn't handle it (the problem) anymore" or "I feel so alone". Sometimes this problem is a trauma from long ago, such as childhood abuse. Sometimes the issue is surfacing in a present relationship causing miscommunication and anger. Ultimately, a person comes into therapy when they or a person who cares about them sees that outside professional help is needed to improve mood, thoughts, or quality of life. Other times, work stress and career struggles lead a person to my office.
What sort of problems do you treat? I work with my clients on a wide variety of issues including depression, anxiety, marital discord, post-divorce adjustments, communication problems, parenting concerns, addictions, low self-esteem, and stress management. I specialize in Women's Issues and relationship struggles common to women.
Do you offer Texas mandated divorce counseling? Yes, and I enjoy providing this service. I have much expertise in issues which must be addressed to ensure that parents "co-parent" post-divorce regardless of reasons for divorce. Protecting children from the typical stressful elements between partners in the divorce process is crucial, as is learning to raise your children in a peaceful, mature, and loving spirit even though ex-partners may not tolerate being in the same room together. Often times there is already damage from past arguments between parents. This can be remedied and learned from in a way to ensure this will not happen again. Divorce counseling will equip you with a set of skills to co-parent for the rest of your lives.
What if I meet with you for a session and I don't like you? It is important to "click" with your therapist. A client must feel that their therapist is someone they can open up to and share their issues with. If after a session or two a client feels another therapist would be better suited for their needs, the client can move onto another therapist at his or her own discretion.
How long should I be in individual or marital therapy? There is no specific length of time a person is required to stay in therapy. Most people report success in resolving immediate issues/stressors in 7-10 sessions. This is considered "short-term psychotherapy". "Long-term psychotherapy" often addresses underlying issues, such as, for example, unresolved grief from childhood trauma. Often times, a person will see a therapist for 7-10 sessions, and then realize a few months later that certain issues were not resolved or that they have identified new concerns. At this point, therapy continues.
Will I have to take medicine while undergoing psychotherapy treatment? A therapist cannot prescribe medicine. Only a medical doctor can do that, whereas therapists/counselors typically have Master's Degree and/or a Ph.D. After the first session or two with a therapist, he or she may refer you for a psychiatric evaluation for some sort of psychotropic medication. If you choose to meet with a psychiatrist, you still have the ultimate decision on whether or not you will take medicine. Many people find that individual and/or marital therapy alone relieves symptoms and greatly improves their lives. However, if a person has a pronounced chemical imbalance, therapy can be helpful, but working with a psychiatrist in conjunction with a therapist has been shown to produce the greatest long-term success with serious mental illnesses such as Major Depressive Disorder and Bi-Polar Disorder.
GINA GHELLER, LCSW COPYRIGHT 2011 PSYCHOTHERAPIST: PSYCHOTHERAPY TREATMENT ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
