Fact vs Fiction
Is Talk Therapy Effective?
What Therapy Is
Therapy is an opportunity for you to explore and evaluate your beliefs, personal values and mindset about your life. We will typically meet by video (or phone if you feel more comfortable) once per week, although some clients choose to meet more often than that. The therapy relationship is an opportunity to receive supportive, unbiased guidance in evaluating beliefs about self and others, experimenting with new ways of being in the world, and to celebrate your successes. I tend to be welcoming but direct when needed, and many clients have told me that I am the first psychotherapist, who has "actually helped" them. I specialize in work with LGBTQ clients, depression and anxiety--although I have many years' experience with other clinical problems, as well.
What Therapy Isn't
Many clients initially come to me, asking me for "advice" or "tips" on how to make their particular problem go away. While I wish that I had a magic wand and could provide such instant relief, I think it is more important to allow you to make your own decisions--but to help you evaluate whether those decisions are going to ultimately benefit you. Therapy is not a therapist telling you what to do. It is not, as I explained before, lying on a couch and talking about deep, dark secrets for years on end.
I would love the opportunity to get to know you and remain confident that I can help you gain the confidence to make the positive changes you wish to make in your own life.
"Through my work with Brian, I noticed that he brought exceptional concern and care in treating clients. He also has a strong ability to be both honest and direct, while simultaneously being warm and inviting. He even brings great humor to any situation."
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-- Nicole Patrick, Licensed Professional Counselor