Joan L. Roth, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist For Anxiety Disorders and Mood Disorders
347-678-5178
Individual Therapy
Some of us enter therapy for treatment of a specific disorder (i.e. panic attackes, PTSD, depression). While for others the overall goal of therapy is the very vague 'to be happier,' you may not have any idea what that means for you yet. That's okay. Your therapist can help you break down your overall goal into smaller, achievable goals. When you start therapy, your therapist can help you clarify what's not working in your life. Specifically, your therapist will help you increase your clarity about:
Your Responsibility
While having a good therapist is important, what you do with the therapist is just as important. Therapy is not passive. It requires your active participation, motivation and commitment. Clients who work hard at helping themselves are more likely to have successful therapy outcomes.
During your sessions, try to:
Before every meeting, try to:
To create the life you really want, you will have to prioritize your therapy and your growth. This looks different for each person, but may mean spending some of your free time differently, tolerating temporary emotional discomfort in the name of lasting change, and being open to change -- even if it's scary.
Listen to Your Discomfort
Expect emotional discomfort, as it is always part of the growth process. In therapy you will take risks, and try novel ways of thinking and behaving. Your growth depends on your ability to tolerate this discomfort. It's crucial to choose a therapist you trust so that when discomfort strikes, you feel safe enough to let down your walls and examine the cause.
Discomfort is revealing and useful -- often it signals a problem area for you, and exploring it with your therapist can be a catalyst for profound change. There is an exception, however. If your discomfort stems not from your own 'stuff' but from your relationship with your therapist, it could be a red flag telling you that your therapist may not be right for you.Trust yourself on this.
Be Open to Change
You're entering therapy for support and guidance as you make changes in your life. Since how you've been living (thinking, behaving, etc.) is no longer working for you, it's time to take your life off of autopilot and try something new. If you're with a therapist you trust, take the risk&you have nothing to lose.