My Approach to Helping
A good therapist assists the client in formulating solutions or approaches to issues that need resolution or attention.
The therapeutic process involves clear identification of the issue(s). Sometimes identifying all the components is an evolving process.
A good therapist will push, pull and lead a client to approaches which may resolve the matter of concern. It is not the therapist's responsibility to solve the problem, but provide the necessary insight and techniques; to ask the appropriate questions; and to guide the client to resolution.
The therapeutic process is about connection. There needs to be trust and commitment by both parties to address the matter(s) of concern. Neither party should be callous with the other's time.
More Info About My Practice
What Can You Expect From Robert D. Smola, MSW, LCSW?
Commitment: If my practice is a good match for you, I will commit the time and effort to assist you in your journey to find resolution. If we do not make sufficient progress, I will try to refer you to someone who may be able to approach your issue(s) from a different perspective.
Dedication: I became a social worker because I wanted to help people. For a long time I have been involved in systemic and administrative work. I have approached professional challenges from a macro perspective. At various stages of my career, I have had the opportunity to provide individual, group and couples therapy and I have been invigorated by the challenges of that work. I will invest the time and the energy to assist you in finding resolutions to the questions for which you are seeking assistance.
Confidentiality: What you discuss is private and will not be disclosed to anyone without your consent or instruction (with the only exception occurring if you pose a threat to yourself or someone else). The time you spend in the therapeutic process is yours and should be treated with dignity and respect.
What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist
The privilege to assist others in trying to navigate their way through difficulties and issues is a responsibility I take very seriously. Life is full of challenges and obstacles and having the opportunity to work with clients to overcome and build strategies for dealing with the complexities we face is what gets me excited to do the work. It is challenging, difficult work but incredibly rewarding when you see someone who feels that they have benefited from the process and applies what the process has taught them to their lives.
I have learned from every person with whom I have worked. The incredible thing about psychotherapy is that it is an evolving process and every client is unique and every journey is different. I relish the opportunity to continue to learn.
My Role as a Therapist
The role of the therapist is to assist the client in the journey from issue identification to resolution. Every client has that information within them and the job of the therapist is to use their training, theoretical references and principles to ask the correct questions to assist the client in finding the necessary resolutions.
