LP, 30 years of experience
New to Grow
I have 30 years of experience working as a clinical psychologist in a variety of settings and with diverse populations. My primary goal is to assist clients with meeting their therapeutic goals by offering an empathic and accepting environment utilizing a mixture of therapeutic modalities and approaches such as cognitive behavioral strategies, psychodynamic-relationship issues (family of origin influence, current relationship concerns), with an honest, direct approach to help empower clients so that they can accomplish their goals.
I welcome clients by first applauding their self-advocacy in seeking counseling for themselves and thank them for trusting me with their personal information. I then ask them to tell me "what's on their mind" so that we can discuss what they want to gain from therapy. Many clients can feel nervous about the first session, so I try to make them feel comfortable and relaxed. It is also helpful to remind them that they need to feel at ease with their therapist. Goal setting also seems to be helpful for most clients.
The most common therapeutic feedback that I have received over my long career from many patients/clients is that "I'm real," genuine, supportive, understanding, nonjudgmental yet firm and direct when need to be but with a sincere "kindness and warmth and caring" that makes it easy to "hear me when they need to." At the core of my work and what brings me the greatest satisfaction is the ability to build a rapport and alliance with another human being who feels comfortable and accepted and appreciated, allowing for psychological healing and positive human growth.
My experience with clients who seem to benefit most from therapy are those that are open and honest with themselves so that they have insight about their feelings, behaviors, etc. Progress in a positive direction toward a patients' goals begins with identifying what outcome they are seeking from their therapeutic experience. The journey is most effective within a supportive, trusting alliance between a patient and therapist.
I have a humanistic orientation and approach (accepting-unconditional positive regard) with clients using a mixture of modalities that best fit the needs of the client, e.g., family systems, cognitive behavioral approach, psychodynamic (relationship issues) while building a supportive and trusting therapeutic alliance with the client.