Motivations for Treatment
In many instances, people choose to enter treatment because of a clearly defined problem they are experiencing in their life, be it excessive anxiety, problems in a romantic relationship, intense stress at work, depressed mood, difficulties dealing with a family member who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or addiction, or a variety of other behavioral conditions. Whether is targeting anxiety, depression, or wanting to improve the quality of communication in a relationship, each treatment is designed and tailored according to each client's exquisite needs and desires.
Oftentimes, after the particular presenting issue is resolved, the underlying, unconscious issues that were contributing to maintain it, arise to consciousness. At this time the client can decide, together with the therapist, whether to stay on for longer term work, and address the roots of the presenting issues, or leave therapy. Some of the most desired longer-term outcomes of psychotherapy treatment invariably include the wish to live a more vital and fulfilling life, to live more from the heart and less in the head, to relate betters and to communicate more honestly and effectively with people, to have more satisfying and supportive close relationships, to achieve emotional resilience, internal balance and serenity, to gain clarity in regard to the direction to follow in one's life. Independently from implementing short or longer treatment courses, and from the initial presenting issue, I generally find it is helpful, if desired, to begin with a focus on stress reduction, wellness and restoration of balance through integrative mind/body approaches to health. Such approaches include mindfulness-based psychotherapy and a tailored use of meditation and body awareness techniques; in addition, we can discuss possible lifestyle adjustments, and all that pertain to practicing Being, (versus doing, thinking, behaving), including inhabiting one's body, accepting it as is (as the first step towards change), here and now. |