Psychotherapy

A term once reserved for Freudian-based practices for treating mental illness, Psychotherapy now refers to a broad spectrum of theories and techniques for relieving suffering, promoting health and, in general, understanding and improving the human condition. These practices range from highly focused behavioral techniques for resolving very specific problems such as phobias, traumas, or suboptimal social skills, to more philosophical approaches for facilitating major life transitions, dealing with loss and/or physical illness, or finding one’s life purpose. One size does not fit all, but what all approaches have in common is that the quality of the relationship between the therapist and the client is a critical ingredient in the healing process. Psychotherapy is one of the very few venues in life for a person to openly reflect on his/her innermost thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive setting. Once the province of Medicine, psychotherapy is now largely offered by non-medical licensed professionals including clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors.

James Nourse, Ph.D., L.Ac.

Anne Meijers, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.