Psychotherapy and Psychology


About Psychotherapy and Psychology

  view list of practitioners

As human beings, our perception and decisions are based on thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and motives that we don't realize. That's because our conscious brain can only keep track of a few pieces of information at any given moment. Generally, this process works great, because we can handle the complexity of daily life.

Sometimes we aren't handling an area of our life well. A psychotherapist or psychologist can help us realize the hidden thought, feeling, belief, or motive that's causing us to get less than satisfying results, whether that be in relationship to ourselves or others. Once we become aware of the cause of our discomfort or problem, we can then begin a plan of action. Without that awareness, plans frequently fail.

Initial Visit

During your initial visit, your psychotherapist or psychologist will ask questions to get clear about your situation and what you would like to achieve. Be prepared to be asked about aspects of your life that you may not see as relevant. Remember that you're not able to see the problem and a little discomfort is to be expected in uncovering what's really going on.

Psychotherapy Treatment

Here's a list of the types of psychotherapy offered:

•   Individual, couples, family and group therapy

•   Psychodynamic psychotherapy

•   Cognitive behavioral therapy

•   Dialectical behavioral therapy

•   Stress management/skills training

•   Sensorimotor psychotherapy

•   Relaxation training/breath work

Results

Over time, you should feel like you're moving toward the life you want. Periodically, you may feel lost and confused. That's to be expected when you're questioning deeply held beliefs and uncovering strong memories and emotions.

Psychotherapy Can Help

Some of the conditions where Psychotherapy may help:

•   Depression

•   Worry, anxiety and panic

•   Eating Disorders

•   Interpersonal Relationships/communication

•   Stress management

•   Finding greater satisfaction in work or relationships

•   Wellness consulting and mind-body connection

•   Loss and bereavement

•   Women’s Health

•   Stage of life issues, including pregnancy, child-rearing and retirement

•   Social phobias, connecting with others

Therapists

Psychotherapists and psychologists can have a range of backgrounds and specialties. Psychologists have a PhD in Psychology. There's also LCSW, which is a licensed clinical social worker. The state of California also requires a license to practice psychotherapy. For a list of practitioners, please visit Psychotherapists and Psychologists.

More Information

For more information about Psychotherapy, please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychotherapy. For more information about Psychology, please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychology.

Click practitioner’s name below for additional information:
      Deborah Anderson, PhD, RYT
      Jenny S. Bowen, MFT
      Dominique Bressi, PsyD