Psychotherapy, or counseling, is a process in which you examine your thoughts, feelings, actions and relationships in the context of a highly personal and confidential relationship with a skilled professional. In psychotherapy, you will evaluate your problems and determine what changes you need to make to improve your satisfaction with your life. You will then learn how to make the changes that are necessary to achieve a better psychological adjustment.

Psychotherapy may be helpful to you when:

• You feel overwhelmed by life problems;

• Depression, anxiety or anger are taking over your life;

• You don't know how to manage a major life decision;

• You are having trouble with a significant relationship;

• You are having difficulty coping with a serious illness in yourself, a family member or friend;

• Your job is too stressful and you can't seem to mange it;

• You don't know what to do, or where to turn for help.

Psychotherapy involves:

• Guided self-assessment to identify life adjustment problems, personal conflicts, relationship issues, behavioral problems, family conflicts, self-identity issues, emotional problems, and/or life stage development issues that are interfering with overall life;

• Exploration and identification of the origins of these problems, conflicts and/or issues, both psychologically and factually;

• Development of a plan for change to resolve these problems and/or issues, including both intrapsychic changes and situational life changes;

• Assistance in making the necessary personal and life changes, through coaching, psychological education, ongoing behavioral and emotional analysis and feedback, emotional support, behavioral and cognitive training, and assistance in reformulating life goals and plans to achieve those goals.

Therapy appointments are typically scheduled once per week. This generally allows enough time between sessions for you to work on issues discussed in the sessions. When crises occur or your condition is more severe, sessions are scheduled more frequently.