• Introduction to Counseling and Psychotherapy
• Psychotherapy, what do I work on?
Bringing about change ~
A key element in psychotherapy is helping people to bring about change in their lives. These changes may
involve any one or more of the following—exploring different belief systems, thinking differently, feeling
differently, or making different choices. While these changes are are a key part of psychotherapy, it is important
to remember that they happen during a process; therapy is intended to be a process where one moves forward in
one's own individual development, enhancing one's relationship with “self” and others. Along this journey, the
therapist's role is to help the individual in discovering, examining, and—often for the first time—facing the
challenges involved in facilitating change and in making healthy life choices.
Therapeutic process ~
The therapeutic process is different for each individual and can be influenced by a variety of factors—for
example, the process varies in relationship to the nature and the difficulty of the challenge that the individual is
experiencing; the process can also be influenced by one's age or stage of development, particularly with therapy
involving children (because therapy with children is much different than therapy with adults); as well, the
process can be influenced by needs unique to gender, race, spirituality, or sexuality. It is vital to consider all of
these factors when working through the therapeutic process.
Healing and growth ~
Although the process in therapy will be influenced by the unique needs of the individual, adolescent, or adult,
the process and progress of the client must always be managed in a professional manner with someone skillfully
using well-accepted principles to guide this process of change, healing, and growth. At the Healing Place, a
Systemic Transformational Change Process is utilized. Advanced training and experience help guide the clinician
in working with adolescents and adults to address their individual needs and challenges, moving towards an
overall sense of balance, peacefulness, and calm.