My early training included many different forms of therapy, and I use all of these forms in my practice. In general, I encourage the client to lead the session by talking about issues that come to mind or seem particularly relevant that day. My job is to listen with care and to use my experience and training to provide feedback, support, or an alternative perspective, or to just help the client talk things through. I may suggest an activity to try between sessions, or I may challenge the client to try to accomplish something in a new way. From time to time, I might demonstrate things in sessions--like an assertive way to handle a situation, contrasted with an aggressive or passive way to handle the same situation.
Homepresent and less time thinking about the past or worrying about the future. Paradoxically, it is often wise to spend some time looking at the past in order to understand the things which have contributed to one's present view of the world and habits. I sometimes suggest reading materials. For some clients, facing their anxieties or fears in session is appropriate after careful planning. For others, having a chance to grieve a loss is an important part of the therapeutic process. I strive to make therapy a dynamic and highly individualized process.
I often ask clients to become more conscious of their thoughts--how true or realistic they are, how much time is spent in negative thought, and how helpful these thoughts are in their life. I work to help clients spend more time being fully
