Psychotherapy Process
Many clients ask me about the psychotherapy process. As such, I prepare the following document that explains on a high level my personal process while conducting the therapy sessions.
The following are few words on the high level process of my therapy approach:
The process has a stage-driven, yet cyclical structure. It facilitates movement forward towards its desired goals and promotes continuous improvement. On a high level the therapy process consists of six main steps that describe the tasks that are undertaken and includes: 1) assessing the case, 2) planning the treatment, 3) implementing the intervention, 4) evaluating outcome/progress, 5) revising the intervention and 6) resolving the issue and/or terminating the case. In addition, two key integral and horizontal components are 1) management/feedback and control and 2) therapeutic alliance. The strategic process moves typically from initial case assessment and problem definition, to translating it into a goal, to selecting and implementing the appropriate strategy and intervention method to reaching the goal or solving the problem.
My process of therapy is action oriented, engaging and collaborative. It emphasizes client’s proactively and personal responsibility. My therapy relationship and process encourages you to exercise and experience new way of thinking and behaving. It allows the process to unfold in many unexpected ways the same way relationship dynamic paths developed (hopefully in the right direction). The therapy process, like most processes is part science and part art, logical yet intuitive. As a therapist, I will try to provide you with a constructive and critical voice, reassurance, validation and wisdom (if I have). Like a teacher/mentors/trainer, I will try to keep you on track, helping you move forward in the process toward your goals. It is important to note that the process tends to be circular rather than linear and straightforward. This would require you to maintain focus and dedication, regardless of the immediate results. A focus between short term goals/results and long terms goals/results is necessary to move forward toward change and success.
Some of the characteristic of strategic therapy model after defining the treatment goals include:
- A focus on unhealthy communication and behavioral patterns that serve to maintain a problem;
- The treatment a combination of psycho-education, insight, and experiential methodology
- Understanding resistance and use paradoxical intervention to promote change by applying specific strategies
- Skills building strategies (such as communication, assertiveness, boundaries, emotional management, respect, intimacy etc.)
- Identify vicious cycles and learn ways to break them
- Conflict resolution skills while learning techniques to avoid escalation
- Develop plan of action to resolve problem and reach objectives
- “Homework” is provided periodically to help you address a specific issue discussed and/or to keep you fully engaged in the counseling process between sessions
Good Luck.
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