Services/Benefits

The way I work is based on an approach called Characterological Psychotherapy. Having evolved out of psychoanalytic thinking, it also includes cognitive, humanistic, existential and gestalt ideas. Hellmuth Kaiser, a student of Wilhelm Reich, who helped develop this approach in the 1950's, boldly called this theory "Effective Psychotherapy." I believe the name is earned, because of the tendency toward positive results. The approach is optimistic, health-oriented and helps bring about greater freedom, consciousness and sense of self.

Traditionally, psychotherapy has been associated with illness, while psychological health has been left to the self-help movement. From my approach, this is a false distinction. The theory I practice is based on the idea that everyone is essentially healthy. (To the extent a person has psychological problems or symptoms, we view them them as coming between a person and his intrinsic health). As a result, there is not really a ceiling on "getting better." One person, experiencing psychological symptoms, will seek help to feel more himself. Another person, feeling otherwise himself, might seek help to feel or make more of himself.

The direction that growth follows depends on what a person values in life and what abilities can use the development. Whatever the focus, be it strengthening the emotional or intuitive self, increasing confidence or self awareness, or boosting social or professional effectiveness, psychotherapy can be as much about strengthening as about healing.

Beyond resolving symptoms and conflicts, clinical psychology can have a profound, lasting impact on one's quality of life.

Self Confidence
I find a lot of misunderstanding about confidence. For example, I don't believe it's a quality someone can have too much of. When a person uses the term "overconfidence," usually what he is observing is insecurity or arrogance. "Self confidence" can refer to a basic sense of security. But, it can refer to something even stronger: a quality of assurance which enables a person to confront life with a deeper, more informed sense of intention and expressiveness.

Work Life
Part of the inspiration for the name "Workpsyche" comes from how much people talk to me about their work. I don't think people realize how powerful an ally psychotherapy can be in this arena. Of course, this
traditionally comes about through greater confidence and sense of identity. However, an understanding of character and character styles lends an extra dimension. It can also provide clients with an effective understanding of the behavior and motivations of people at work, as well as the social or political dynamics of organizations and networks.

Relationships
Nothing can produce more confusion than a relationship. Not only can a person's actions be as unclear as those of the person he is interacting with, the combined pattern of reactions take on their own complexity. Of course, the more people involved, the more layered things become.

Besides understanding, people want greater ability to handle their relationships. Many qualities and capabilities can come into play, including trusting, committing, holding ones own, knowing where one leaves off and the next person begins, not taking others too seriously (or lightly), and respecting weaknesses and differences.

Artistic and Creative Expression
Creative people, whether in the arts or more traditional fields, face particular challenges and have particular needs. Often the focus involves seeing through conventionality, trusting and cultivating intuition, protecting one's sensitivity, managing criticism and false starts, reconciling the practical with the ideal, and distinguishing between intrinsic and extrinsic rewards.

Psychological Health
Unfortunately, our culture tends to lack a fundamental appreciation of, or sensitivity to mental health. Neurotic behavior is often equated with moral failure. The mechanics of emotional trouble is often written off as a "black box" biological problem, with primarily a biological solution. Managed care has limited and diluted treatment options. And, the public has not acquired basic consumer instincts about therapy methods and treatment effectiveness.

No matter how persistent and perplexing, negative psychological states or traits are understandable and treatable. Whether one suffers anxiety, depression, tension, confusion or emptiness, the emotional pain does not have to be taken for granted.