What are evidence based therapies?

Evidence based therapies are psychotherapeutic approaches that have been supported by research in much the same way medical treatments are supported by clinical research. These tools are used by many therapists with many clients and the results of the treatments are evaluated in a systematic way. Here's a link to a good article on the pros and cons of evidence based practice.

http://www.mspp.net/jackimEBT.htm

Acceptance and Committment Therapy, Behavioral Activation, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Integrative Couples Behavior Therapy have all had systematic evaluation of their effectiveness.

What can I expect in a therapy session?
Therapy begins with careful assessment of the problem that you're having and the solutions that you've tried. It's important that I understand exactly your situation. We then, together will generate possible alternatives to test out. Each session will be spent on trying as hard as we can to see what's actually happening in your life that's not working. Between sessions, you'll be trying out new behaviors and new approaches to see if they fit your situation and personality.

What is different about behavioral therapy?
Behavioral therapy makes a distinction between who we are and what we know how to do. Psychological learning is seen as no different than any other kind of learning. Emotional reactions, compulsions, mood fluctuations, for the most part are influenced by our history and our situations. When learning a new behavior, whether it's not reacting angrily to our partner, or playing the piano, our first efforts are usually fairly inept. To get better at anything, we need to practice. Therapy will help in narrowing down the areas that need practice and training and providing support and encouragement for learning new ways of responding to the world. From a behavioral approach we tend to ask how and when rather than why behavior happens. Another thing to remember, from this approach, anything that a living being does is considered behavior. That includes thinking, dreaming, and feeling.

How long will this take?
That depends on how well we do our assessment, how pervasive the problems is and how much you practice the new behavior on your own.

How will  I know if this is working?
You will see your life improve in ways that make it much more liveable and worthwhile.  Together, we will assess regularly if those changes are happening. If they are not, we'll look at what we're doing therapeutically and change our strategy. If it continues to be ineffective, I will do my best to help you find a therapist that better meets your needs

Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are number of exceptions to this rule. Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s. I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. I will make every effort to enlist your cooperation in insuring your safety. If tyou do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without your permission in order to ensure your safety.
• If you choose to use your insurance I will need to disclose information about your diagnosis to obtain coverage. Other sensitive information may be required by your insurance company as well.