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Frequently Asked Questions About Psychotherapy

Should a therapist or consultant have a ‘Philosophy of Therapy’?

Yes. A philosophy of therapy is a theoretical grounding which guides a therapist or consultant in helping you formulate an effective strategy to solve the problems you are experiencing. Good therapists and consultants 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 therapy and change?

I have a systemic and psychodynamic philosophy. I believe it is important to explore relevant childhood and family influences as well as your current life and work situation to formulate an effective strategy for change. In my opinion, real and lasting changes require deep self understanding and values clarification in addition to behavioral changes. 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., among others.

Does experience as a therapist and consultant make a difference?

Yes. My 25 years of clinical and consultation work in a variety of settings has created the skill to efficiently identify patterns in problems while appreciating the uniqueness of every situation. Experience with thousands of clients gives me resources and creativity to hear each client’s story and facilitate change attuned to the individual client. Additionally, I am committed to continuing education, research and new therapeutic techniques which keep my practice fresh and my skill evolving.

Does a client need to be in a crisis for therapy to be useful?

No. When you are NOT in a crisis is an excellent time for personal or relationship work because you have the energy to step back from problems and look at them from a systemic view. You can examine patterns which may have affected you subtly for months or years and discover solutions which can build lasting change and confidence in your relationships and work.

Do you have specialties areas in your practice?

Yes. I have clients who are individuals, couples, families and business leaders in transition. Additionally, I have the following areas of specialized training and expertise.

• Couple/Marriage and Family Therapy. I am Licensed in Washington State as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I have specialized education, supervised training, and clinical practice in working with relationships of all kinds. I am a clinical member of American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and International Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (IFTA). I successfully completed the Appproved Supervisor designation in 1994, a two year post master degree study for experienced clinicians, through the AAMFT.
• Addiction Recovery and Adult Children of Alcoholics; for over 20 years I have worked with adults who experienced addictions in their families and with individuals, couples and families in addiction recovery. In 1985 I completed a certificate in Addiction Treatment from Seattle University in Seattle, WA. I have extensive knowledge of 12 step philosophies and psychotherapy techniques specific to addiction recovery and therapy people whose lives have been affected by addictions of others.
• Multicultural Identity; individual, couple, family therapy and consultation; for 20 years I have worked with multicultural individuals, couples and families in both the US and internationally. Over half my clinical practice is bicultural or multicultural. I have lectured at various programs in the US and internationally on cultural identity and international/intercultural lifestyle.

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 therapy, 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 client information and informed consent form.

• Client Information Form (14KB)
• Therapy Information and Consent (15KB)

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