People typically make the decision to enter psychotherapy only after giving the decision considerable thought. Usually, they are in a situation that is causing them significant distress and where other options for making things better have already been exhausted. Having made the decision to seek psychotherapy, it is helpful to know what psychotherapy is!

The word therapy implies in the service of healing. Psychotherapy literally means a therapy of the mind (the Psyche). We now recognize that mind involves our thoughts, our emotions, the connections between our thoughts/emotions and also our physical bodies. Mind operates at both a conscious level (in our awareness), as well as out of our direct awareness, in what we call the unconscious mind. There are many different approaches to psychotherapy, each of which emphasizes slightly different aspects of the relationship between these different parts of the mind and our day-to-day behavior. Ultimately, the decision about which psychotherapy approach you pursue depends on the concerns with which you are wrestling. Certain psychotherapies have shown to be more effective with certain kinds of presenting problems. However, one of the biggest factors to consider in deciding whether to go forward with psychotherapy often has less to do with the psychotherapy approach itself and more to do with the comfort level and trust that you develop in working with a particular psychotherapist.

At PPP, we have clinicians from different disciplines who offer a wide range of psychotherapy services and approaches. Our clinicians include a psychiatrist, clinical health psychologist, marriage and family therapist, clinical social worker, and psychology fellow. We have established close relationships with therapists who work directly with the body and who have advanced training in yoga and meditation traditions and practices. Together, we have over 75 years of experience working with individuals, couples and groups with many presenting concerns.

Psychotherapy often involves addressing sensitive subjects or topics. The law guarantees the privacy and confidentiality of whatever is discussed in therapy, unless someone's life is immediately and directly threatened. There are other exceptions to privacy that can be discussed together with your therapist that typically involves the intersection of medical and legal concerns. Aside from these exceptional situations, anything you discuss with your therapist will be held in strictest confidence and released only with a written authorization from you to people you specify. In addition to guarantees of privacy, the decision to enter therapy involves informed consent. While your therapist may have expertise in treating different conditions from a variety of treatment approaches, only you are the “expert” on you. You have a responsibility to obtain as much information as you can about different ways that your concerns can be treated, the risks and benefits of those different approaches, or any other concerns related to any particular approach so that you can make an informed decision about going forward with treatment. The treatment process involves a partnership between you and your therapist and you should not consent to go forward with treatment until your concerns have been satisfied. More information about privacy can be found on the web page addressing HIPAA Guidelines.

Psychotherapy takes many forms. At PPP we often incorporate different approaches into an individual's treatment plan. We do not take a “one size fits all” approach. We tailor our treatments to each individual and his/her unique needs. Clinical hypnosis, biofeedback, and EMDR services as well as 1:1 services or classes and other group-based services are examples of different approaches to treatment that you may hear us talk with you about. You can learn more about these approaches elsewhere on our web site. We look forward to talking with you about your particular needs and for the opportunity to put together a plan of treatment that will best help meet your needs as directly and comfortably as possible.

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