Choosing a therapist can be challenging and confusing and one might ask, what does therapy involve? From my experience Therapy involves developing a very special relationship between a professionally licensed practitioner called a therapist and one or more people seeking to collaboratively define and achieve constructive change. This relationship is referred to as the therapeutic bond and is considered one of the most important parts of successful therapy. As such our first step in therapy is, from day one, to form that bond by establishing a trusting, non-shaming environment where any child, adolescent, person, couple, or family will feel safe and sense the therapist is on their side, listens and understands. Therapy on my behalf will involve empathy, genuineness, and mindful acceptance while we collaboratively establish therapeutic changes / goals you feel are both desired and are ready to achieve. Our sessions will involve the language of change as perceived by you the client(s), and constructive finding of solutions. You will be able to present your story without fear of rejection or shame. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, families, and am very effective with middle schoolers, adolescents young adults, and people working in the stressful world of business, hi tech and active military service members, and veterans. During my time as a therapist I have built a reputation as caring, effective and someone who has my client’s best interests at heart. If you feel a connection or that contacting me could be of value, I would be very happy to hear from you. Until such time I wish you the very best in your quest. Sincerely, Mike Michael Durrigan Ca. LMFT (131635)
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
After our first session you should feel that we are beginning a process of constructive change within a safe, supportive and caring environment. Near the end of our sessions I will check in with you to assure that you, the client(s), feel the therapy had and continues to have value, we are moving in the right direction and plan for any changes we may need to make. This "Client Oriented" process is known to assure that you feel your therapy is of value, we are staying on the right path and is effective.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I adhere to the Common Factors Model (CFM) of therapy which guides my practice. The CFM is backed by extensive research and includes using evidence based methods. CFM maintains that any and all successful therapy requires achieving four factors. In order of importance the 4 factors are: Client Resources and Support systems (40%), Therapeutic Bond (30%), Clients perceived hope and expectation for success (15%), Therapeutic Models and Techniques (15%). I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities to assure our goals are achieved (Eclectic). Modalities drawn upon include - Motivational Interviewing (the client language of Change), Narrative, Solution Focused, Cognitive-Behavioral, Schema, Self psych., Gestalt, Humanistic-Existential, Couples, Family System, and Trauma Informed therapy.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have done extensive research, instruction and therapy work in the area of Emotional Intelligence and healing and when applicable provide psycho-education during therapy sessions. The factors of Emotional intelligence and healing include: Self-Awareness, Self-Regulation skills, perseverance, empathy, compassion, mindfulness, acceptance, boundary setting, and social skills such as genuine and effective communication. For some individuals, couples or families spirituality is very important in the therapeutic setting. For such clients I am trained in Transpersonal methods and am skilled with providing this form of support.