Counseling/Therapy: An Integrative Approach.

The study of the human mind and behavior has taught us many insights that are crucial to the process of counseling and psychotherapy:

• Self-Perception: People often have distorted views of themselves and the world. These distortions can be difficult to see on our own, leading to repeated mistakes.
• Avoidance: It’s natural to avoid certain elements of life, which can lead to procrastination, feeling stuck, and hindering growth.
• Impact of Stress and Trauma: Even prolonged low-intensity stress can change how our brains and minds operate.
• Healing Through Discussion: Talking or thinking through issues can have a real healing effect on the mind and body, significantly improving quality of life.
• Diverse Approaches: Psychotherapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. It’s based on scientific principles but includes many schools of thought and levels of training and skill.

An integrative approach to therapy means bringing together the fragmented parts of people’s lives. We use different models and techniques to understand your unique situation and individualize our approach to fit your needs. By weaving together various therapeutic methods, we can address the complexities of your life more effectively.

Psychotherapy is a powerful tool for gaining new perspectives on life, catalyzing growth, and learning skills to apply in real-life situations. It’s a space to process trauma and return to a place of peace and trust. Our integrative approach ensures that we can tailor our methods to best support your journey towards healing and personal growth.

While not everyone needs therapy, everyone can benefit from the process.

Assessment:

Psychological assessment is a process of measuring psychological attributes or skills to better understand oneself. It provides an objective snapshot of a person’s functioning, often compared to people with similar characteristics. Here are a few examples:

• Memory Concerns: If someone is worried about memory loss, formal testing can clarify if it’s part of normal aging or something else.
• Academic Accommodations: A student might need classroom accommodations to maximize success. Testing can determine if they qualify for modifications.
• Cognitive and Personality Insights: Understanding patterns of cognitive strengths and weaknesses, or gaining insights into personality, can help with career choices or self-awareness.

Therapy and assessment often go hand in hand. For example, depression or anxiety can be quantified and tracked, and ADHD confirmation can lead to recommendations for behavioral treatments.

In essence, both therapy and assessment are tools to help you understand and improve your life, providing clarity, growth, and healing. Our integrative approach ensures that all aspects of your life are considered, creating a comprehensive path to well-being.