My counseling approach is designed to help individuals live more consciously and creatively in today’s challenging times. I place an emphasis on strengths and solutions rather than problems and pathology. My greatest passion is helping people uncover their own innate knowledge and insights in promoting their power to heal themselves and live more meaningful lives.
My practice is inclusive of an integrative approach utilizing a variety of techniques from cognitive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, solutions focused therapy and motivational interviewing. However, I firmly believe that it is the therapeutic alliance between the individual and their therapist which is the most vital consideration leading to positive change.
Please be prepared to roll up your shirt sleeves a bit and work as my client! I like to challenge clients to make changes to improve themselves and their lives.
My favorite quote that encapsulates well my credo as a therapist is:
"Nothing we can do can change the past; but everything we do changes the future"
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I believe it is important that a safe environment be created so that clients feel comfortable sharing whatever is on their minds and in their hearts. We can then take a close look at what struggles they are facing and what it is they need help with. I always want to make sure we identify at least one goal for their therapy. I also like to share ideas before the first session is over a game plan for achieving that goal.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I am very skilled at identifying patterns in people's lives- patterns in their behaviors, thinking, emotions, and relationships. I have been described as having a "freakish" memory! This goes beyond just listening very well. I retain very well what is shared with me during sessions, which enables me to help people see the patterns that shape their lives and who they are. In addition to this, I believe in the concept of unconditional regard for my clients. People benefit far more from therapy when they feel free to share anything with someone with an open mind and heart, who will not be judgmental and will always provide empathy and compassion.
About Erick Rostami
Appointments
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have 10 years of experience and specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This is the most research-based therapy there is, and proven effective when utilized by a skilled therapist. I like to incorporate CBT principles and interventions organically into the overall fabric of therapy. I am passionate about helping the people I work with develop a better understanding of how much their thinking is impacting how they feel and behave; and, in turn, how they feel and behave is impacting their thinking! All three are interconnected. Raising self-awareness and emotional intelligence in this way can be so impactful in people making real changes to address whatever struggles they are facing and improved the quality of their relationships and lives. I like to incorporate CBT principles and interventions organically into therapeutic process for the people I work with.
Couples Counseling
Couples counseling is considered far more challenging than individual therapy among mental health professionals. I must confess, I say "bring it on" as I am absolutely passionate about helping couples forge the most fulfilling, happy, meaningful, and harmonious relationship possible. However, if you select me as your couples counselor, be prepared to work! This also means be prepared to change- both of you! No couple is in counseling unless something in their relationship needs to change. This change might be in communication, conflict resolution, emotional intimacy, physical intimacy, levels of trust, feelings of being respected, parenting, and so much more. Both partners need to be committed to doing something differently and working consistently on it. If each of you is committed and willing to work, you will be very well positioned to benefit immensely when choosing to let me work with you. I have over 10 years of experience in successfully helping motivated couples improve their relationship to the best it has ever been.
Psychoanalytic
So much of ourselves is just outside of our awareness. Our core beliefs, behaviors, emotions, fears, how we attach to people, and so much more originate from our life experiences. The old cliche of what therapy is of a client laying on a couch and the sage therapist saying "Tell me about your mother and father" still has very important place in the therapeutic process (expect now the client is often in front of a screen!). I have helped hundreds of people for over 10 years often have that cathartic moment of insight into the origins of how they have become the person they are. Few things are more fulfilling for me as a therapist than helping clients in this way.
