what is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a collaborative, creative process that promotes an understanding of one's personhood and individuality. Though each person's journey in psychotherapy is different, there are a few commonly observed outcomes of successful therapy in a patient. Dr. Mark Winborn's "Outcomes of Analysis Central to Individuation" states that they include increased capacities to tolerate not knowing, symbolize, imagine, reflect, regulate emotions, make conscious choices, and reciprocate in relationships. We also notice increased empathy with oneself and others, emotional resilience, a cohesive sense of self, internal locus of control, and deepened meaning in one's life.
A metaphor I like to use to describe the psychotherapy process is cooking. Imagine the two of us are in a kitchen. You bring your raw material and the ingredient to me. These elements are like your complicated feelings, confusing thoughts, challenges you can't cope with, a vague sense that something doesn't work, etc. I have the knowledge, skills, and experience to sort the stuff, and I will help you do the same. For example, you'll recognize what you put on and keep out of the table. You'll understand how to make use of your material. You'll start noticing your tendencies to see and do things in particular ways, especially those hindering your development. The transforming power of fire on the hearth is your (sometimes unconscious) desire to change and my intention to support you. We carefully tend to the amount of heat to suit the process. Together, we cook a warm, unique meal you can enjoy taking in and digesting and letting it nourish you.
A metaphor I like to use to describe the psychotherapy process is cooking. Imagine the two of us are in a kitchen. You bring your raw material and the ingredient to me. These elements are like your complicated feelings, confusing thoughts, challenges you can't cope with, a vague sense that something doesn't work, etc. I have the knowledge, skills, and experience to sort the stuff, and I will help you do the same. For example, you'll recognize what you put on and keep out of the table. You'll understand how to make use of your material. You'll start noticing your tendencies to see and do things in particular ways, especially those hindering your development. The transforming power of fire on the hearth is your (sometimes unconscious) desire to change and my intention to support you. We carefully tend to the amount of heat to suit the process. Together, we cook a warm, unique meal you can enjoy taking in and digesting and letting it nourish you.