Blogging on Good Therapy

By Reverend Doctor Silvia R. Behrend

Click here to contact Silvia and/or see her GoodTherapy.org Profile

So many of us understand counseling to be an art, a marriage of knowledge and a certain ability to use that knowledge elegantly, incorporating intuition and spirituality. In my experience as a minister offering counseling and as a chaplain in a hospital, I have found that there is another dimension to the “art” of counseling: the intentional creative process coupled with the understandings of self-psychology provide a transformational template that has love and compassion at its center.

In my work as a minister and as a counselor in private practice, I make no distinction between the words soul and self. I use them interchangeably; either word connotes the “essence” of the human being. The work of the self or soul is to become whole, being born and being human already means that the essential ‘isness’ is compromised simply by being in the world.

I have found that one way to help the soul reach toward wholeness is to engage it on the slant. That is: rather that directly confront the ‘issues’, ‘wounds’ and ‘trauma’ experienced by the soul, the cut-off elements of the soul can be enticed into integration. This is possible through the use of the arts. In my particular experience, I have used the art of stone carving to illustrate that the soul can emerge from hiding in a loving, compassionate and non-pathological manner.

My work in this area has been formed by the understandings of self-psychology and my own experience in creating art as well as facilitating that process for others. I would like to articulate a simplified version of the theory of Self-psychology Then, using my student’s own experience, I will demonstrate how engaging in creating art, in this case, stone carvings, allowed them to see themselves differently and integrate the cut-off parts of themselves with love and compassion. (more…)

Barbara Kennedy, MPH, MSW

Click here to contact Barbara and/or see her GoodTherapy.org Profile

Imagine yourself back in time a long time ago. You are a child sitting cross-legged near the central village fire. Firelight dances on the faces of those seated around you. Your eyes are wide with excitement! Your little heart pounds like thunder! Your tiny hands clutch bits of grass as the old and wise storyteller recounts stories of the heroic acts of courage and history. The storyteller’s ancient hands rise up toward the night sky as sparkling embers spiral upwards to join the stars. Through the careful weaving of these stories, the storyteller brings the past, present and future together. You listen. You learn. You remember. –Excerpt from The Wisdom Tree

Storytelling is as old as the first homosapien who picked up a stick and scribbled in the dirt. Native Americans chisel on the walls of caves; Nanas all over the world–with a gaggle of grandchildren at their feet–spin yarns passed down from prior generations; teenagers lock their diaries and hide them. So why have first-person narratives ranked on best seller lists and in book reviews with so much fervor? Well, it goes something like this, Once upon a time…

Narrative therapy proposes that people use certain stories about themselves like the lens on a camera. These stories are selected and framed memories and information that are repeated over and over. But stories don’t mirror life, they shape it. Stories organize the information from a person’s life. They guide how people think, feel, act, and make sense of their experiences, thus have the power to control people’s perspectives of their lives, their histories and their futures. (more…)

Jennifer Bullock, M.Ed., M.L.S.P.,LPC, NCC

Click here to contact Jennifer and/or see her GoodTherapy.org Profile

In our current over-scheduled, over-pressured world, families are confronting problems they have little capacity to do anything about. We can tend to cope by getting stuck in a narrow range of behaviors and responses even if they are not helpful. A child who has learned to have temper tantrums when she is angry, and her parents who have learned to punish or pamper her, are stuck in maladaptive, non-growthful environments—‘a bad play’. It’s like playing the same part in the same play on the same stage day after day.

A key component in this play is often our children’s behavioral, emotional and leaning difficulties that are so disruptive or dysfunctional - all we want to do is stop it. As parents, educators and fellow child / family therapists, we can understandably respond by focusing on getting rid of the most glaring and painful symptoms. Another way to handle these situations is to focus on development as the key to transforming our lives and our children’s lives—including maladaptive behaviors. (more…)

GoodTherapy.org maintains a list of psychotherapy & counseling approaches for the purpose of informing consumers about different forms of therapy. We’re currently updating this list of therapy models and we’ve just finished our update to Feminist Therapy. Feminist therapy is distinct from traditional therapeutic approaches in its focus on the role of gender in psychological distress, behavior, and identity. You can view the update to our section on Feminist Therapy and/or view our entire list of psychotherapy & counseling models . Enjoy :)

by Michael Picucci, PhD, MAC, SEP

Click here to contact Michael and/or see his GoodTherapy.org Profile

Complete recovery is a 2-stage process- recovery from addictions and traumatic histories, and recovery of fulfillment, wisdom, serenity, and emotional, spiritual and sexual wholeness.

As we enter the dawn of a new millennium, traditional psychotherapy-and the therapist’s role-appear caught in the sort of crisis described by Denise Breton and Christopher Largent in their book, The Paradigm Conspiracy.1 The detached, analytical approach often practiced by psychotherapists since the days of Freud no longer makes people well. In fact, this strict therapist-patient/ normal-sick paradigm may actually make them worse, contributing to deeper feelings of alienation and frustration. For our own field of addictions therapy as well as other specialties, it is evident that the time has come for a “paradigm shift” toward a more “soul-sensitive” 2 approach to psychotherapy. The need for change was championed in recent statements by Dr. Patrick Carnes at the National Council on Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity conference in St. Louis. Fr. Leo Booth echoed the view that spirituality has become the cornerstone of both our individual and collective healing when he stated that as therapists, “We must open our mind to new ways of seeing our future…and bring to that the energy of creative positivism.”3 (more…)

by Patti Desert, LCSW-C, CEMDR, CP

Click here to contact Patti and/or see her GoodTherapy.org Profile

The word holistic has been used to describe health care practices that include acupuncture, massage therapy, Reiki, naturopathy, and homeopathy. These practices attempt to bring harmony to the physical, energetic, and/or nutritional states of individuals.

Holistic Psychotherapy also seeks to bring balance between these systems. However, as with all psychotherapy, its primary focus is the treatment of psychological and emotional pain that manifests in depression, anxiety, trauma and related disorders. It is the way in which holistic psychotherapy treats these disorders that marks its departure from conventional psychotherapy and denotes its singular effectiveness.

Generally speaking traditional psychotherapy focuses on problematic thoughts and behavior, interprets the underlining meaning of these thoughts and behavior, and then provides solutions that are practiced by clients and adjusted as circumstances warrant.
Unlike traditional psychotherapy, Holistic Psychotherapy optimally fosters growth and healing by noting the synergistic relationship between all the ways we experience ourselves and the world—thinking, feeling, doing, and sensing. Holistic practitioners then channel this knowledge through methods that support the healthy interaction between the processes of the thinking mind, the feeling body, and the emotionally laden spirit to bring growth and healing. (more…)

by Arthur Becker-Weidman, Ph.D.

Click here to contact Arthur and/or see his GoodTherapy.org Profile.

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy is a treatment approach to trauma, neglect, loss, and/or other dysregulating experiences that is based on principles derived from Attachment Theory and Research.

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy involves creating a safe setting in which the client can begin to explore, resolve, and integrate a wide range of memories, emotions, and current experiences, that are frightening, stressful, avoided or denied. Safety is created by insuring that this exploration occurs with nonverbal attunement, reflective non judgmental dialogue, along with empathy and reassurance. As the process unfolds, the client is creating a coherent life story or autobiographical narrative which is crucial for attachment security and is a strong protective factor against psychopathology. Therapeutic progress occurs within the joint activities of co regulating affect and co constructing meaning.

Nonverbal attunement refers to the frequent interactions between a parent and infant, in which both are sharing affect and focused attention on each other in a way such that the child’s enjoyable experiences are amplified and his/her stressful experiences are reduced and contained. This is done through eye contact, facial expressions, gestures and movements, voice tone, timing and touch. These same early attachment experiences, which are fundamental for healthy emotional and social development, are utilized in therapy to enable to the client to rely on the therapist to regulate emotional experiences and to begin to understand these experiences more fully. Such understanding develops further through engaging in a conversation about these experiences, without judgment or criticism. The therapist will maintain a curious attitude about the memories and behaviors, encouraging the client to explore them to better understand their deeper meanings in his life and gradually develop a more coherent life story. This process may be stressful for the client, so the therapist will frequently “take a break” from the work, provide empathy for the negative emotion that may be elicited, and reassure the client about his efforts and the therapeutic relationship.

The primary therapeutic attitude demonstrated throughout the sessions is one of playfulness, acceptance, empathy and curiosity (PACE). (more…)

GoodTherapy.org maintains a list of psychotherapy & counseling approaches for the purpose of informing people about different forms of therapy. We’re currently updating this list of therapy models and we’ve just finished our update to Adlerian Psychology & Psychotherapy. Alfred Adler (1870–1937), world renowned philosopher and psychiatrist, developed the first holistic theory of personality, psychopathology, and psychotherapy that was intimately connected to a humanistic philosophy of living. You can view the update to our section on Adlerian Psychology & Psychotherapy. and/or view our entire list of psychotherapy & counseling models . Enjoy :)

Dear Members and Visitors to GoodTherapy.org,

Today we were pleased to present the second teleconference in the GoodTherapy.org Winter Teleconference Series: An introduction to Somatic Experiencing presented by Steben Hoskinson, MA, MAT, a senior trainer with the Foundation for Human Enrichment. Much thanks to Steven who volunteered his time to present to GoodTherapy.org members this powerful approach to healing trauma.

To support those of you who attended today’s teleconference and who may have more questions or would enjoy having a forum to discuss Somatic Experiencing with others, we created this blog entry to serve as a forum where you can post your questions, leave comments, and engage in a dialogue about it. I hope all people will feel welcome, whether you attended the conference or not, to join us in the discussion. Steven has kindly agreed to visit the blog and answer questions about the SE model. So please feel free to post questions, concerns, feedback.

To view the comments or make your own, simply scroll to the bottom of this particular article and click on the “Comment” link.

For more information about Somatic Experiencing and their training programs, please visit the Foundation for Human Enrichment. For a quick overview of the SE model you can go to our list of psychotherapy & counseling models and click on the link for Somatic Experiencing.

Enjoy,

Noah :)

Noah Rubinstein, LMFT, LMHC
Co-Executive & Clinical Director
http://www.GoodTherapy.org

GoodTherapy.org maintains a list of psychotherapy & counseling approaches for the purpose of informing people about different forms of therapy. We’re currently updating this list of therapy models and we’ve just finished our update to Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. Parent-Child Interaction Therapy is an empirically supported treatment for conduct-disordered young children that places emphasis on improving the quality of the parent-child relationship and changing parent-child interaction patterns. You can view the update to our section on Parent-Child Interaction Therapy and/or view our entire list of psychotherapy & counseling models . Enjoy :)

written by Tara Guest Arnold, PhD, LCSW

Dialectical behavior therapy or DBT is an offspring of cognitive behavior therapy that incorporates Eastern meditative practices. The dialectic comes from the synthesis of opposites, particularly acceptance and change that is a tenet core to the DBT philosophy. We accept ourselves as good enough, and we recognize the need for all of us change and grow. These two concepts could seem contradictory, but through the persuasive dialogue, or dialectic, we can understand the seemingly opposing truths side by side.

DBT is taught as a series of skills in four modules: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance. The first of these modules is core mindfulness, and as the name implies it is the foundation of DBT. Core mindfulness is based in Eastern Zen philosophy, and it includes Western contemplative practices. Mindfulness is an awareness of thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and behavioral urges. By learning mindfulness, we are empowered to be in charge of ourselves in a different way. It has been proven that awareness assists in emotional regulation. As we understand ourselves, we accept ourselves and change ourselves. It is a practice of attention and intention. (more…)

written by Chris Reynolds, MS, LPC

Click here to contact Chris and/or see his GoodTherapy.org Profile

Sex therapy is simply therapy that specifically addresses sexual problems. A sex therapist can be considered a specialist in the general field of therapy in the same way that a urologist is considered a specialist in the general field of medicine. Though the practice of sex therapy varies widely, most of these specialists have the following in common.

Sex therapy is typically a short term (6 to 15 weeks) solution focused intervention. Solution focused means that there are concrete goals with which to gauge progress, that there is a conscious utilization of client’s strengths, and that homework assignments are utilized to encourage active steps toward one’s goals.

While more general relationship issues are an integral part of sex therapy, they are not the primary issue. Sex therapists treat the sexual problem directly as opposed to assuming that if a couple resolves their other relationship issues, their sexual functioning will eventually improve. Since relationship issues are an integral part of sex therapy, and often one of the dynamics that perpetuates the sexual problem, couples who meet their goals in sex therapy invariably improve functioning in other areas of their relationship as well. When relationship issues are the primary problem (difficulty negotiating conflict, difficulty negotiating value systems, difference in attachment styles, etc.), then more traditional couples therapy is more appropriate. (more…)

Dear Members and Visitors to GoodTherapy.org,
Today we were pleased to present the first teleconference in the GoodTherapy.org Winter Teleconference Series: An introduction to the Internal Family Systems model (IFS) of Psychotherapy presented by Richard C. Schwartz, Ph.D., the developer of the IFS model. Thanks to Richard who volunteered his time to present to GoodTherapy.org members this fascinating and beautiful approach to helping people heal.

To support those of you who attended today’s teleconference and who may have more questions or would enjoy having a forum to discuss the IFS model with others, we created this blog entry to serve as a forum where you can post your questions, leave comments, and engage in a dialogue about it. I hope all people will feel welcome, whether you attended the conference or not, to join us in the discussion. Having trained in the IFS model myself and being intimately familiar with it both inside and out, it will be pleasure to monitor the comments and answer as many questions as I can. I also welcome other IFS trained practitioners to join me in answering questions and taking part in the dialogue.

To view the comment or make your own, simply scroll to the bottom of this particular article and click on the “Comments” link.

For more information about the IFS model and their training programs, please visit the Center for Self-Leadership. For a quick overview of the IFS model you can go to our list of psychotherapy & counseling models and click on the link for Internal Family Systems Therapy.

Enjoy,

Noah :)

Noah Rubinstein, LMFT, LMHC
Co-Executive & Clinical Director
http://www.GoodTherapy.org

GoodTherapy.org maintains a list of psychotherapy & counseling approaches for the purpose of informing people about different forms of therapy. We’re currently updating this list of therapy models and we’ve just finished our update to the Gottman Method for couples counseling and marriage therapy. Gottman Method applies leading-edge research on marriage in a practical, down-to-earth therapy. No other approach to couples education and therapy has relied on such intensive, detailed, and long-term scientific study of why marriages succeed or fail. You can view the update to our section on the Gottman Method and/or view our entire list of psychotherapy & counseling models . Enjoy :)

Written by Sarah Jenkins, MC, LPC

Click here to contact Sarah and/or see her GoodTherapy.org Profile

Sit down, and let me tell you a story, a fable that tells of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It is a fable, written by Aesop, that you may be curious to learn, and can tell us of addiction’s common deceptions. Perhaps you will find the lesson in the beginning, or even at the end, but you will be curious about what you will soon learn, as you read on.

“A wolf found great difficulty in getting at the sheep owing to the vigilance of the shepherd and his dogs. But one day it found the skin of a sheep that had been flayed and thrown aside, so the wolf put it on over its own pelt and strolled down among the sheep.

A lamb began to follow the wolf in the Sheep’s clothing. So, leading the lamb a little apart, he soon made a meal of her. For some time he succeeded in deceiving the sheep, and enjoying hearty meals.”

What’s Underneath: The Wolf (more…)

Written by Edward W. Wilson, Ph.D., MAC

Click here to contact Edward and/or see his GoodTherapy.org Profile

Non-traditional alcoholism treatment methods have always recognized that 12 Step models work for some individuals but not for most, at least not for very long. The problem is that nothing else seems to either. Designing effective treatment for individuals turns out to be a complicated business that must take into account many variables in ways that don’t easily lend themselves to any particular model. As a result most programs offer little beyond “don’t drink, go to meetings, work your program, and repeat – forever.”

It’s also difficult to remember that people have been quitting drinking for as long as alcohol has existed. Some individuals quit when their doctor suggests it’s time; others when spouses threaten to leave; a few when they collect their first DUI with all of the attendant costs and embarrassment; and still more just because they decide to. They quit with or without help or programs or meetings.

So, what happened? (more…)

Written by Cedar Barstow, M.Ed., C.H.T.

Click here to contact Cedar and/or see her GoodTherapy.org Profile

RIGHT USE OF POWER IS URGENTLY IMPORTANT.
Right use of power and influence is surely one of the most important issues facing us in our emerging globally interdependent world. Interest in right use of power takes us in the dynamic realms of roles, relationships, and trust. We engage with finding out how we impact others and then with developing the skills and compassion to be more and more effective. This is inspiring and valuable process.

UNDERSTANDING MORE THAN ONE ROLE
Some of you are clients or potential clients. Some of you are therapists or helping professionals. My intention is for this article to be of value in whatever role you are in. All of us have personal experience on both sides of relationships of trust: as clients, patients, students, children, committee members….and as therapists, social workers, parents, teachers, guides, coaches, committee heads, body workers, office managers. We have a sense for what each role feels like, but it is often hard to remember what the other role experience is. One of the hallmarks of the right use of power is to make the dynamics and expectations of each role open, clear, and understood by all. (more…)

GoodTherapy.org maintains a list of psychotherapy & counseling approaches for the purpose of informing people about different forms of therapy. We’re currently updating this list of therapy models and we’ve just finished our update toTranspersonal Psychotherapy. Transpersonal Psychotherapy is the extension of psychological studies into consciousness studies, spiritual inquiry, body-mind relationships and transformation. Transpersonal Psychotherapy encompasses the study of the full range of human experience, from abnormal behavior to healthy normal functioning, to spiritually embodied, and transcendent consciousness. You can view the update to our section on Transpersonal Psychotherapy and/or view our entire list of psychotherapy & counseling models . Enjoy :)

GoodTherapy.org maintains a list of psychotherapy & counseling approaches for the purpose of informing people about different forms of therapy. We’re currently updating this list of therapy models and we’ve just finished our update to Family Attachment Narrative Therapy. Family Attachment Narrative Therapy was developed to help resolve difficulties experienced by behaviorally disturbed children and their adoptive or foster parents. You can view the update to our section on Family Attachment Narrative Therapy and/or view our entire list of psychotherapy & counseling models . Enjoy :)

GoodTherapy.org maintains a list of psychotherapy & counseling approaches for the purpose of informing people about different forms of therapy. We’re currently updating this list of therapy models and we’ve just finished our update to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which is specialized form of therapy for people with a Borderline personality constellation. You can view the update to our section on Dialectical Behavior Therapy and/or view our entire list of psychotherapy & counseling models . Enjoy :)