Services
Couples therapy focuses on the problems existing in the relationship between two people. However, in addition to the issues causing the relationship conflict, the individuals themselves often times have individual difficulties that impact the partnership. For example, if you are constantly arguing with your partner, you may also feel anxious, angry or depressed. Alternatively, if your partner has difficulty controlling his or her temper, the couple may have more arguments.
In couples therapy, the therapist will help you and your partner identify the conflict issues within your relationship. This will help you decide what changes are needed in the relationship and in the behavior of each partner for both of you to feel satisfied with the relationship.
In group therapy, you learn that you are not alone and you can experiment with trying to relate to people differently in a safe environment, with a therapist present to assist as needed. Additionally, group therapy allows you to learn from the experiences of others and also allows you to better understand how people very different from yourself view the world and interact with people. Many people are anxious about participating in group therapy, because they don’t want other people, aside from the therapist, to know about their problems. Group members are told not to discuss information shared in the group with others, and usually the need for mutual confidentiality preserves the privacy of the information.
Some groups are “focused” or “topical” therapy groups. The group members tend to have similar problems because the group is focused on a specific topic or problem area. For example, a group may be focused on stress management for depressed mothers.
Group therapy can be offered on an ongoing basis or for a specific number of sessions. In an ongoing group, once the group starts, it continues indefinitely, with some group members completing treatment and leaving the group and others joining along the way as openings are available in the group. Most groups have between six and twelve members, plus the therapist.
Individual therapy is a process by which you examine your thoughts, feelings, actions and relationships. With the assistance of a skilled professional, you evaluate where problems exist, or where changes are likely to improve your life satisfaction and overall psychological adjustment. After you identify where you would like to make changes you then learn how to make the changes that are necessary to achieve better life adjustment and satisfaction.
Individual therapy involves the therapist and client working together to identify life adjustment problems, personal conflicts, relationship issues, behavioral problems, family conflicts, self-identity issues, emotional problems, and/or life stage development issues that are interfering with overall life adjustment, emotional well-being, and life satisfaction. Also, the therapist and the client will work together to determine the root of these problems, conflicts and/or issues and to develop a plan for change.
Therapy appointments are usually scheduled once per week. This allows for steady progress toward resolving the problem at hand, and allows enough time between sessions for you to work on what is discussed in the session. Occasionally, if a life crisis occurs, or if depression or anxiety is particularly severe, sessions may be scheduled more frequently. Once progress is being made, some psychologists will schedule sessions less than once per week – but only if they feel that progress will not be lost. The therapy process may last for only a few sessions or may continue for much longer, depending on the needs of the client. Talking to a therapist for the first time can feel awkward or embarrassing for many individuals. However, usually after a few sessions, clients begin to feel more comfortable with the process and come to see their therapist as a supportive, reliable person in their lives.
Psychotherapy may be helpful to you when:
- You feel overwhelmed by life problems
- Depression, anxiety, anger or another emotion seem to be too difficult to handle with
- You don’t know how to manage a major life decision
- You are having trouble with a major relationship
- You are having difficulty dealing with a serious illness in yourself, or in a family member or friend
- Your job is extremely stressful and you need help coping
- You don’t know what to do, or where to turn for help
Remember, though you might not have clinical conditions or symptoms, individual therapy can help you learn more about yourself and others and teach you how to control your life more effectively. This type of personal growth can help you overcome obstacles that have kept you from reaching your goals and becoming the person you want to be.
Additional Information
Appointments
I see clients in my office located at 1020 East Willow Grove Avenue in Wyndmoor. The office is located just past SkinSmart Dematology, and down and across the street from the 7-11 convenience store. There is parking available in a lot behind the building, as well as convenient street parking.
While I currently schedule most of my clients on Tuesdays and Sundays, I do have a limited number of evening appointments available on some weekday evenings. I accept cash, checks, and major credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) for my professional services. I accept HMO insurance plans from Aetna and HighMark insurance companies, as well as all PPO plans as an out of network provider. If I am not an “in-network” provider with your insurance company, you may have “out-of-network benefits” connected to your plan that will pay for a significant percentage of the cost of therapy. Please contact the office with insurance questions. We will contact your insurance company on your behalf to clarify benefits.
In an effort to make quality therapeutic services more accessible, I offer a limited number of morning appointments at a negotiated discounted hourly rate. These appointments are made available to those individuals, couples and families with demonstrated financial need, particularly students, single parent households, and clients with fixed incomes. Please ask me about this negotiated, reduced fee during our first contact.
Emergencies
If you or a loved one is experiencing an overwhelming emotional crisis, do not call an out-patient therapist. Call your county’s Mental Heath Crisis Response Center, go to your nearest hospital emergency room, or dial 9-1-1 for immediate help.
Please contact the office for our current “out of pocket” fees.