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Canal Place Office Park
150 Nickerson Street
Suite 203
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone 206.352.1900
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Frequently Asked Questions About Psychotherapy
Is It Important to Have a Philosophy of Psychotherapy?
Yes. A philosophy of psychotherapy is the theoretical grounding which guides a therapist in helping you formulate an effective strategy to solve the problems you are experiencing. Good therapists can tell you what theories they believe in and why they think the philosophy and techniques they use can be helpful for your situation.
What is Your Philosophy of Psychotherapy?
I have a systemic and psychodynamic philosophy. The Theorists whose work I most closely follow are: Murray Bowen, M.D, Eric Erikson, M.D., Carl Whittaker, M.D. and Virginia Satir, M.S.W. In over 20 years of practice, I have added a variety of techniques from other philosophies to how I work with clients. I believe your history, current problems and goals should be considered in context from a holistic perspective. In therapy we explore relevant childhood and family influences while keeping your historical experience in perspective. Relief from problematic thought patterns and behaviors comes from insight, self confidence, and motivation to change how you live out your personal and professional goals and relationships.
Do You Need to Be in a Crisis to Make Good Use of Psychotherapy?
No. A personal, relationship, or career crisis often precipitates a call for psychotherapy for immediate problem solving. Just as frequently, individuals, couples and families, seek psychotherapy with me for a variety of reasons that include but are not limited to: prolonged sadness, anxiety, persistent feelings of isolation or loneliness, the desire to be more effective in work, friendships or love relationships.
Do you have Specialties Areas in your Practice?
Yes. Although I see Individuals, Couples and Families in general practice, one of my designated licenses in Washington State is as a Marriage and Family Therapist. That means I have specialized education, supervised training, and practice in working with relationships of all kinds. Additionally, I have two clinical specialties.
- Addiction Recovery and Adult Children of Alcoholics; For 25 years I have worked with adults who had addictions in their families and with individuals, couples and families in addiction recovery. I have extensive knowledge of 12 step philosophies and psychotherapy techniques specific to addiction recovery.
- Multicultural Identity; individual, couple, family therapy and consultation; for 20 years I have worked with multicultural individuals, couples and families. 50% of my clients are bi cultural or multicultural. See other web pages for further information.
How is Psychotherapy different if I am bicultural or multicultural?
The major difference in psychotherapy for bicultural and multicultural individuals, couples or families is sorting out the extent to which a problem is an emotional, mental health problem verses the extent to which it is a cultural issue. This interrelationship can vary tremendously. In addition to the usual things discussed in psychotherapy, it is essential to understand the impact of loss of family homeland, community, language, etc. which affect cultural identity, communication and relationships between partners and family generations.
Applications
Click the links below to download a PDF application and consent form.
- Psychotherapy Application (16KB)
- Psychotherapy Informed Consent (16KB)
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