Dr. Larry Berger
I enjoy working with clients who are engaged in the treatment process and wanting to grow to build a lasting foundation for behavioral health recovery. Whether a person is internally or externally motivated for treatment, I believe that if a person wants to be helped, they can be helped. As a therapist, it is not my place to tell a person what he/she should or should not do. It is my responsibility to use my experience and training to help clients find their paths to personal growth and development to live lives filled with internal peace and commitment to personal values.
First session
My practice style is one of direct, honest communication and working to help my clients find their own paths to personal peace. My job as a clinician is not to tell people what to do, but to help others gain insight into situations so they can make decisions that are best for them on their personal journeys.
Strengths
From what my patients have said over the years, my strengths include being a great listener, challenging in a gentle way, and being practical in the potential solutions I offer. My job as a clinician is not to tell a patient what to do or not do; my job is to help the patient discover the course of action that best matches values and the direction for life fulfillment.
Ideal clients
Due to my background and certifications, I have been able to help individuals and couples with a myriad of behavioral health issues, both related to mental health and substance use problems. I meet people where they are at, in terms of motivation for help and desire for change. People can expect a provider who will work with them as they move forward.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the foundational modality in which I was trained. I use it to help patients identify connections, both healthy and unhealthy, between perceptions, thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I utilize ACT in conjunction with CBT to help individuals see the role that values can play in driving cognitive and behavioral changes. When behavior change is connected to a value(s), it is more likely to be started and maintained.