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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A COURSE OF THERAPY AND HOW SPIRITUALITY
WORKS HAND IN HAND WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENT:
CONFIDENTIALITY:
As a licensed psychologist, I am ethically bound by both the California Board of Psychology and the American Psychological Association to keep any of the conversations or materials that you share in the strictest of confidence. There are only three situations in which this does not apply: in cases where I believe that you are imminently suicidal, homicidal or endangering the welfare of a dependent adult or child. In these cases I am legally bound to report my concerns to the proper authority to guarantee your safety and may contact your loved ones or those you are saying you might harm, under protection of the law. Please note that having suicidal or even homicidal thoughts does not often mean that someone else needs to be informed. If you and I feel that you are unlikely to take action and can safely manage the situation while in treatment, therapy is likely to alleviate your difficulty without the intervention of others.IN THE BEGINNING:
Therapy is an active, liberating process that usually begins with a sense of relief at having told the story that is keeping you locked in an unhealthy pattern (1-3 sessions) and having that pattern labeled (diagnosis) with a “prescription” of the number of expected additional sessions (generally 12 to 24) to meet to unlock this pattern, with ideas for how we might best do that. Part of this prescription will always include a daily spiritual practice from your own tradition; from a Tibetan Buddhist perspective, an integration of these, or, if you have no tradition of your own, a discussion of how to explore a perspective that makes sense to you. Discussions with your spiritual advisor can take place with your permission if you would find this helpful. Should I think that it would be helpful for you, I might suggest that you also meet with your primary care provider, or a psychiatrist, for medication as well. If this is the case, you can expect that I will coordinate care with him/her once I have obtained your written permission to do so.IN THE MIDDLE:
This is followed by a period of stress, anxiety, and often, a sense of loss for whatever is being left behind to make way for the new. This is true for both psychological treatments and spiritual practices. The former generally involve trying out specific new behaviors and ways of interacting with others while the latter works more systemically on processes that are often far below the surface of your problem--- on you inner life. These two forms of treatment, the external and the internal, are essential for a holistic and substantial remission of your symptoms. They require your commitment to being an active, daily participant in the process of your change. Merely meeting and talking with a therapist will not change your behaviors, cure your mental illness, or convince you that change is possible. If you inconsistently take prescribed medications, they will have no effect. Merely talking about spiritual matters will not quiet your mind and open your heart. You must engage yourself in being open and vulnerable to what you discover about yourself in the room with me as well as when you are out in the world. This is because, the goal is for you to become your own therapist, healer and spiritual guide who consults with others when needed for further development and healing.AT THE CONCLUSION:
In the latter course of therapy, clients feel increasingly sure of their ability to apply new behaviors and spiritual practices. Greater happiness and a sense of hope are revealed. We discuss when, if ever, you might expect to relapse from your present state of increasing wellness and what you will do if this happens. We will also figure out, together, when you might wish to return for help from your therapist, your spiritual advisor or your primary care provider.ABOUT SPACED AND BOOSTER SESSIONS:
As you begin to feel better, we will together plan for spacing your visits with me out to biweekly and then monthly visits to ensure a smooth transition. This assists in making sure that you remain independent while also keeping us aware that should increased contact be indicated, we can choose to increase sessions as needed. Many clients feel that 6 months after completing therapy, a check-in session assists them with being refreshed on principles they might have forgotten while also being an occasion to celebrate gains that they have made in their lives.