How Therapy Works

Struggle, Trust and Transformation

When you decide you want therapy it's usually because you are struggling with
some problem, feeling or concern. In therapy you will talk about that struggle
with me. Together you and I will build a relationship of trust in a private and
confidential setting. Your struggle combined with the trust between us, blended
with your willingness to work and my expertise, leads to a transformation of the concern that led you to call for therapy.

Therapy need not take a long time. Major studies have shown that 50 percent of
clients noticeably improve after 8 sessions, while 75 percent improve after 26
sessions. A survey by Consumer Reports (November, 1995) revealed that people
in therapy had more self-confidence and self-esteem, understood themselves
better, and enjoyed life more than those who had not had therapy.

When you call me I will try to return your call on the same day. When we speak
you can ask questions about my experience working with others who have had
similar concerns. Your telephone impression of me is an important starting place
for deciding whether you want to work with me. Research on what makes
therapy effective suggests that a positive relationship between the client and
the therapist is essential. Without it, neither the therapist's training and
experience nor the client's willingness to work is enough to make therapy happen.