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How I Do Therapy I believe that people tend to know what is best for them deep down, and it is my job to assist them in discovering what they feel is the best solution. I am systemically oriented in my therapeutic work, seeing a problem as imbedded in relationships either within the family, or even the larger societal system. Additionally, I have trained with Peter Levine regarding trauma and how to utilize sensations within the body to also address symptoms. For a more theoretical description of therapy, please continue reading. Regarding the systems theory, I utilize basic Rogerian ideas attributed to Client Centered theory as a solid base to work from. Depending on the situation and problem, I may utilize techniques from Structural, Strategic, Cognitive-Behavioral, Rational Emotive Behavioral, Experiential, Solution-Focused, Narrative or other therapy. Outside of the family systems framework, Carl Rogers’ theory was extremely influential in shaping my current concept and practice of therapy. Carl Rogers’ approach to therapy has been labeled “non-directive,” “relationship-oriented,” “client-centered,” “person-centered,” etc. Basic beliefs of this theory include client autonomy, personal power, responsibility, inner strength, self-actualization, self-direction, use of empathy, being congruent, and respect. As a therapist, I view a client as a person who is basically good, rational, independent, full of potential, positive, cooperative, realistic, trustworthy, accepting and forward moving. What this means, is that I view the client as knowing what is best for him/her self, and my job is helping them find their own answers. I do this through listening, empathic understanding, and caring, and encouraging inquiry and hypothesis testing. I believe the client will move toward growth and healing, and is helped to do so with an accepting and understanding climate. Empathy is noted to be at the foundation of Carl Rogers’ therapy. He believed that empathy alone is healing. So Rogerian therapists strive to provide an environment of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and acceptance. Therapists accept the client where they are at the moment, and consider diagnosis and treatment planning to be much less important than being supportive to the client. When working with families, it is not as productive to be non-directive
and purely client centered in practice. I use this framework to view the
family and the individual members within the family, yet my approach in technique
is not client centered outside of my unconditional positive regard and belief
that they are good people. This underlying belief is basic to all of my
techniques that I utilize, no matter what model that particular technique
comes from. |
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