James Weiss, LCSW

I have always found it difficult to answer questions about therapeutic models because the question implies fitting people into specific causal patterns based on limited information. The idea of what was originally called "eclectic" therapy, which evolved into a more respected "integrated therapy" seemed more respectful of the uniqueness of people. So, I was impressed early on with Internal Family Systems, which incorporates ideas from many schools of thought. It acknowledges individuals' resilience and resourcefulness in terms of parts of who they are and the different roles each part plays, and respects how people think and what they believe based on their life experiences; it acknowledges the complexity of who we are and how we survive. I believe that people know more about their lives than I do, and my approach is collaborative and affirming. While behavior change, particularly in crises, is primary, I feel that our beliefs effect our behavior, our work, our relationships - in short, how we process our world and everything we do. I feel I can help clients get to a place where they can reinterpret their experiences and reevaluate their beliefs so that they begin to experience life with more freedom, more choices. So, returning to the question of the "model", it is whatever is an intellectual and emotional fit for my clients and their own "internal families" and what is helpful to them in understanding and becoming comfortable with who they are.