Why therapy? How Can it Help?
People come to therapy for many different reasons. A common thread among people’s unique circumstance is the feeling of being “lost” or “stuck." In addition, one may feel quite a bit of pain and emotional discomfort. Often times, it may even be difficult to even identify the source of that discomfort or pain. Extended or frequent periods of feeling distressed or lost may be indicative of an ongoing, underlying problem.
Therapy can help identify and address the obvious and not-so-obvious patterns in life, such as repeatedly engaging in unsatisfying relationships, or having difficulty following through with life or career projects. Despite knowing that certain behaviors aren’t working for them anymore, it may be very difficult for one to change their behavior. Recurrent patterns such as these can generate continual feelings of apathy, and can leave one feeling unsatisfied, or frustrated and hopeless.
In addition to working to find relief to your emotional discomfort or pain, therapy can provide you with the tools and insight to making meaningful changes in your life. Therapy can help you to build coping skills, understand the root of your experiences, and develop a deeper sense of self-knowledge and awareness.
For Children: Children often do not have the language or words that adults have to express their feelings and internal experiences. Frequently, parents grow concerned about their child's emotional wellbeing when their grades begin to decline, or they begin isolating themselves from peers or from the family, worry excessively, are irritable or sad for extended periods of time, or have disruptions in their eating, or sleeping cycles for extended periods of time. Often times difficulties with children begin to emerge when their environment or the situations they confront exceed the coping skills they are equiped with at the time.
Therapy can help children identify, express and work through their feelings through play, art, games, and storytelling as well as talking. Therapy can also promote children to develop or strengthen coping skills to help them navigate difficult situations.
Confidentiality
You have the absolute right to the confidentiality of your therapy*. I cannot and will not tell anyone else what you have told me, or even that you are in therapy with me without your prior written permission.
* There are a few exceptions to confidentiality. In the event that a child or elderly adult is being abused or has been abused, I must consult with appropriate agencies. If you report that you are in danger of hurting yourself or someone else, I will take take appropriate measures to ensure your safety and that of others.
Approach to Therapy
Dr. Irwin has been trained in a variety of approaches and tailors therapy to the individual or couple, based on who they are and what they need. Therapy is a collaborative process, and starts by identifying and discussing what feels important to you, and establishing your treatment goals. This will frame and guide your psychotherapy. In working with couples, Dr. Irwin implements EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), which has been supported by the American Psychological Association as being an effective model for change in distressed relationships as evidenced by research.
Dr. Irwin uses various techniques in therapy. These techniques are likely to include dialogue, interpretation, cognitive reframing, awareness exercises, self-monitoring experiments, and visualization, to name a few. Together you will review your progress and revisit your treatment goals.
Dr. Irwin has pursued advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and implements this model in her work with couples.
In working with children, Dr. Irwin will speak with parents about their concerns, and will collaborate with them throughout the treatment of their child. Interventions with children include interpersonal and behavioral therapy, play and art therapy, and story telling.
Benefits and Challenges of Psychotherapy
Most people find that therapy is helpful. Many people begin to find relief to their emotional pain. People who are depressed may find their mood lifting. Those who suffer from anxiety may find themselves feeling less overwhelmed or afraid. Others may find their relationships and coping skills improve.
Psychotherapy can also be challenging. Approaching feelings or thoughts that you have tried not to think about for a long time may be difficult. Making changes in your beliefs or behaviors can be scary, and sometimes disruptive to the relationships you already have.
Studies have shown that, on average, those who receive therapy for their difficulties feel significantly better than 75% of those who don’t. Research also consistently suggests that emotional and physical health is very closely linked and that therapy can improve a person's overall health status.
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