James Barrick, Psychologist in Los Gatos, 95032

James E. Barrick, Ph.D.

Profession(s):
Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy, Coaching
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
Psychologist - PSY5692

My Approach to Helping

I am a licensed Psychologist specializing in individual, couples and family therapy, with over 34 years experience as a Psychologist. I use both Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and a Pragmatic approach in a Solution-Focused, Brief-Therapy model. As an interactive ally to the patient, my therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I have recently added a co-therapist to my practice. For those clients who might choose to have her sit in, Dr. Susanne H. Weir provides an additional dimension to my practice. We integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With understanding and compassion, We work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplish.

More Info About My Practice

While I am not a member of any Insurance panels, my services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please check your coverage carefully by asking your insurance company the following questions:

* Specifically ask your health insurer; "Do you cover an 'Out-of-Network Provider?' "
* Do you have mental health insurance benefits?
* What is my deductible and has it been met?
* What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
* Is there a co-pay, and if so, what is it?
* How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
* Is approval required from my primary care physician?

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

Though I have a general practice, there are several types of problems I feel most competent to deal with. They are Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Relationships, and Stress Management. Quite often the problems are intertwined. For example: Sixty per cent of all visits to physicians have stress involved. As the basis for all treatments for Anxiety and a critical treatment component for Depression, you owe it to yourself to reduce your stress levels and re-learn how to control your mind and body. Next to stress, two of the major areas contributing to relationship problems are the lack of communication and the breakdown, or lack, of negotiation. Not listening, or not hearing, what our partner says invariably lead to feelings of alienation and rejection. Not negotiating, or not negotiating fairly, leads to two people feeling frustrated, and often results in people getting their needs met through ignoring each others wants and desires. If people are to regain feelings of love, trust, understanding and acceptance, part of any treatment plan must address these issues. Only then can a relationship be reborn into a mutually satisfying way to enjoy greater happiness, love, and acceptance.

Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist

Several of the most important factors in choosing a therapist are: does the therapist hear you accurately, grasping and reflecting an understanding of the key concerns you have, or not? Does the therapist’s behavior and the office feel like it is “safe” for you to discuss your concerns, or not? Do the personality dynamics between you and the therapist mesh, or clash; does the therapist’s knowledge, training and experience inspire confidence in you, or not; does the therapist communicate clearly, or talk in “psychobabble;” does the therapist generate feelings of trust within you? Would you prefer a male or female therapist, or having both sit in? Do you prefer an older, or younger, therapist. My co-therapist and I provide a balance and a choice. These are just a few of the considerations that affect whether this therapist can be of assistance to you. Finding a therapist you can connect with is a personal search. If you find the therapist doesn’t meet your needs, consider finding another therapist. The important idea, here, is not to give up on finding the assistance you want, and are paying for.

The Duration and Frequency of Therapy

Generally speaking, the length of time a person spends in psychotherapy has many contributing factors. A survey of 20,000 subscribers conducted by Consumer Reports, a few years ago, found that the average time related to satisfactory outcomes was two years of psychotherapy. In my practice I find that is a bit long, as I am committed to working myself out of a job as quickly as possible. I rarely see people more than 15 – 20 sessions, with an average of around 12 sessions, which might take up to a year. Here are several of the factors that influence how long a person spends in psychotherapy. How long has the problem existed: days, weeks, months, years, or decades? How motivated is the person to get involved in changing, because if they are only mildly upset with their life’s situation, they may not be as engaged in the process as someone who is really struggling and really wants to make things different. Another factor is: do they have a supportive family or friends that are of assistance, or do they sabotage the person’s efforts to change. These are but a few of the factors determining the length a person is in psychotherapy, and it ends when the person reaches there goal.