This is the tried and true method of psychotherapy that most people are somewhat familiar with, even if they have never been to see a Therapist, just from it's widespread application for over half a century in our western culture.

The core process is the sharing by the client(s) of the difficulty they are experiencing in their daily life ( called the presenting problem), the Therapist listening actively and empathetically to their narrative. A trusting work relationship is created over time, the problem(s) are diagnosed, a treatment plan, and process is evolved, and weekly 50 minute hour psychotherapy is conducted.

The non judgmental presence of the Therapist facilitates a permission in the client(s) to openly explore the questions, concerns, psychological wounding, addictive behaviors, troubling, guilt or shame scenes, or whatever the issue, in the client's experience.

Along the way, a future with the presenting problem resolved is supportively articulated by the client, and mirrored by the Therapist, sometimes at the outset of the work, sometimes evolving more slowly over time as the psychotherapy unfolds.

Due to my clinical training in Marriage and Family Therapy, and Organizational Development, I also understand issues in client(s) lives can be understood systemically, that is as connected to the larger family, community, even organizational, and societal and cultural body of which the individual is a living member. This has implications as to who really is the "client(s)", and how the "presenting problem" might be both understood and treated.

Clinical training in Solutions Focused Brief Therapy in the late 1990's has also positively influenced my journey with clients. Beginning with the initial "intake" process, the client(s) presenting problem can also be carefully reframed to explore under what conditions there might be "exceptions" to the problem, and what positive resources, skills and competencies the client(s) holds which can be encouraged. This can also include thinking of the present situation as a "transition period" at whose conclusion the client(s) has created something much healthier. Psychotherapy can include encouraging the client to do more of what works, less of what doesn't work in their daily lives.

Depending on the nature and scope of the presenting problem, and the internal resilient strengths of the client, a wide range of theory based methods are employed by the Therapist. At their core, treatment modalities embody unconditional respect and positive regard for the well being of the client's life, their being fully empowered to choose the treatment Objectives and Methods suggested by the Therapist, including any known risks.

Psychotherapy at this level often results in the client(s) coming to deeply understand what has unconsciously driven their attitudes and behavior choices, reclaiming parts of themselves long abandoned, or taken over by others, or refusing to carry projections others have placed upon them, and which have undermined their best efforts in life. It can also include healing Betrayal in their lives, often resolving protracted, and unresolved relational grief and sorrow.

I strongly emphasize "unconditional self responsibility" as the model whereby most clients successfully establish a healthier, more satisfying daily life. This process highlights the need for the client to make self responsible choices to live their lives on purpose(s) that soundly fits their personal, core familial, and value orientations. In short, this process encourages, challenges, and supports the client's living more honestly, with more personal integrity, courage, and passion in their daily life!