What is Postive Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a collaboration between one person who has training, education, expertise, and experience (the therapist) and another (the client), who is the expert on his or her own life and is seeking to make changes. I like to think of therapy as a thoughtful, mindful conversation that occurs over time.
As a psychologist, I strive to provide a safe and supportive relationship so that clients' strengths and inner wisdom can become evident. I do not set the agenda of change - rather, I pay close attention and suggest ways of approaching and working with difficulties so that clients can find their own paths on this sometimes-rocky journey of life.
To get the most out of your first consultation, whether with me or another therapist of your choosing, try jotting down some responses to the following questions. Bring your notes with you to your first meeting.
- What are your reasons for seeking psychotherapy at this time?
- What is painful in your experience right now?
- What do you see as your biggest barriers to a more satisfying life?
- If you were to have a truly satisfying experience in therapy - what would you be doing, feeling, and thinking?
- What would be happening in your life that is not happening currently?
- What do you hope to learn? What needs further development in you?
- How will you know that you are finished with your psychotherapy?
- What gives you hope?
- What are your strengths?
There are also free assessments you might find useful at https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu