Hello, I'm Tim, Are there things in your life that you want to change to be happier, feel better about yourself, come to terms with things from the past, or have better relationships with others? If you do, I believe that counseling can help you achieve the kind of life you want to have. I'm a clinical psychologist specializing in treatment of post traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. I have over 20 years of experience as a therapist and I am trained in multiple types of therapies. I'm originally from Oregon, but I have spent most of my adult life in Texas and a few years overseas in Asia and Europe. In addition to private practice, I have been a military psychologist, Veterans Affairs psychologist, PTSD clinic director, Psycho-Social Rehabilitation clinic director, and adjunct clinical assistant professor at UT Health medical school, as well as participating in major research projects in treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. I believe that therapy is a science as well as an art, and I have found that my knowledge of clinical research can greatly improve the results of counseling. I have found that counseling can be very effective at helping people make the kinds of changes that they desire in their lives, help them to have a healthier sense of self, more satisfying relationships with others, and a better quality of life. I'm confident that you can meet your goals with a bit of work and the right treatment plan.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first session will likely be more structured that subsequent follow-ups. It will be an assessment of the current symptoms and problems you would like to work on, and also some background information such as medical history, family, social and relationship histories, and other contextual and historical factors that may be relevant to creating an effective treatment plan, as well as your goals for therapy. I try to help each client find at least one or two things that can help with their symptoms at the end the first session, so that clients can begin managing their symptoms and we can assess how it is working at the next appointment. Please fill out the intake form in advance as this can greatly improve the efficiency of the first session and allow more time for initial goal setting treatment planning.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strengths are in cognitive-behavioral methods, identifying thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are holding you back, and creating a plan help you change your reactions that keep you stuck so that you can grow into the person you want to become. Written and behavioral practice assignments to explore and retrain the way you thing and feel and act are typically part of a clients plan. At first it can feel awkward and results may not be immediate, but persistence will pay off!
About Timothy Rentz
Serves ages
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is a collaborative effort between therapist and client that is the predominant method I use. CBT involves modifying unhealthy thinking and behavior that can keep you stuck, and is very strongly supported by scientific research on treatment outcomes.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
CPT involves a specific protocol for treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. As an alternative to Prolonged Exposure (both are very effective) CPT gives clients a choice to focus on recovering from the impact trauma has on their beliefs about themselves and others in the areas of safety, trust, control, esteem, and intimacy. Prolonged exposure involves safely decreasing avoidance of benign triggers of traumatic stress and allows desensitization so that maladaptive physical and emotional reflexes become extinct. I was formerly the chief of the South Texas Veterans Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Clinic for several years and have worked in that specialty most of my career, on active duty and as a civilian. Since 2007 I have use both approaches frequently and I find both are very effective.