PRIVATE COUNSELING
A bit about treatment style and some of the issues I treat.
In terms of my own approach to psychology, I mainly practice psychodynamic therapy and CBT. In general I try and be as authentic as possible while still maintaining the therapeutic setting. I believe in being active and participating in sessions as far as the client requires requires my intervention. I also do believe in giving the client space to think and lead their own self discovery as long as such space is helpful. In either case, I try to base my decisions in therapy on the long term goals of the client.
Psychodynamic Therapy
This a more classical but ever evolving methodology used to help clients understand and process various conscious and unconscious aspects of their relationships with others and also their internal dynamics. There is a focus on various underlying conflicts which exist for the client, and there is a deeper investigation into how the client defends and adapts to these conflicts. Furthermore, human condition, society and culture are viewed as important frameworks which impact the values and pressures clients experience and which impact their relationships.
CBT(Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
This is generally a more focused method of therapy for dealing with specific issues which can include specific anxieties, depression, OCD, but can also be used to treat other issues. Some clients prefer this methodology as it is more active and straightforward. Whereas other patients find it too mechanical, so a good fit is important. CBT generally works by understanding the connection between the client's emotions, thoughts, and the situation in a fine grain manner. The method also utilizes a structured format making easier to understand and allowing for doing various exercises outside of the therapy hour.
How Therapy Works
Therapy works by helping patients recognize and process their personal tendencies and emotional conflicts. Both the recognition of complex personal tendencies and the processing of sometimes difficult emotional material takes time and repetition so that patients may establish a new equilibrium. The recognition and acceptance of one's emotional tendencies helps to reduce subjective suffering and offers an opportunity to work towards positive changes.
What Issues I Treat
The clients I work with experience a range of challenges: from low self-esteem, anger and aggression, sadness, worry, fear, relationship difficulties, work/life balance problems, loneliness, lack of direction, issues with identity, being emotionally cut off, or emotional volatility. However, this list is not comprehensive, and your unique situation and struggle is likely a complex one. Therefore, an initial consultation is required to understand your situation more fully, to discuss treatment goals, and to speak about recommended treatment options.
Evaluation
Therapy typically begins with a psychological evaluation, which typically lasts 3-4 sessions, and will help to more clearly conceptualize the client's overall psycho-social situation. This can help provide a diagnosis and help inform treatment goals. Depending on the issue and treatment goal, therapy typically continues from 6 months to a number of years. Clients that end therapy may also continue for periodic follow-up sessions or shorter follow-up treatments when the need arises.
TFP
For some portion of my clients who may be either suffering from more serious personal or interpersonal issues or others who are seeking to make deeper changes to themselves, a more intensive twice weekly therapy called TFP is implemented. For clients referred with a previous diagnosis of a "Personality Disorder" this treatment is highly recommended. Other clients may be recommended to begin TFP therapy if it is indicated by their initial evaluation.
I am happy to work with clients in English or in Hebrew.