I strive to provide an effective clinical experience focused on mental health or substance abuse issues. Relationship dynamics can promote problems. Including partners or children can quicken the healing process. According to (Relationship, Health, & Marriage: 2005) less than half the participants actually benefit. My job is to understand your problems, see potential solutions, and search for ways to help. Transferred learning from the therapy experience to “real life” means we were successful. “Clients often report the benefits of treatment endure and may continue to improve after therapy” (APA, 2013).
Relational psychotherapy is complex. It depends on “readiness”. It is my responsibility to assess it and promote ways to strengthen it. Length of time together and severity of problems contributes to the outcome. Text and email exchanges can promote between sessions follow-up and is encouraged.
I incorporate outcome research to increase the quality and effectiveness of the experience. “Psychotherapy (may) reduce overall medical utilization and expense” (APA, 2013). “Overall, mental and neurological disorders account for greater disease burden than any other category, with the exception of communicable diseases” (WHO, 2008).
Credentials
In addition to a PhD in Marriage and Family Development, I am licensed in Virginia as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).