How do I get started?
Therapy is individualized based on your own needs and goals. There are many options used to treat specific issues. To get started, the first step is to speak with your therapist regarding current issues/problems and identified goals you might have in mind. Your therapist will touch base with you to discuss the steps. Initial paperwork will be emailed to you ahead of time to complete as well as directions to the office.
What we will do together
Our First Session
During our first intake session, we will discuss your history and background and get to know one another. We will also determine your goals and your definition of success through your therapy sessions. In addition, your therapist will also share ideas for treatment plans.
If you and your therapist do not feel that you both are a good fit after your first session, your therapist will assist you in finding another therapist who is suited to your needs. If you and your therapist decide to move forward, your therapist will set up your next appointment. Recommended standard of treatment is generally once a week. Duration is based on individual needs.
Our Therapy Modalities
There are many types of treatment modalities used to treat anxiety, depression, personality disorders, growth and relationship issues. Some of the therapy treatments Pat Drerup-Cotter includes are:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – CBT is an evidence-based practice that can treat a wide population, including those with mood disorders, specific phobias, low self-esteem, etc. CBT is based on the idea that how we think (cognition), how we feel (emotion) and how we act (behavior) all interact together. Specifically, our thoughts determine our feelings and our behavior. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing faulty belief systems and negative thought processes. Data shows that there is a marked correlation between our thoughts and our feelings and therefore, our behaviors. This type of therapy deals with how we view a situation or environment rather than changing, or attempting to change, the situation. Internal and external loci of control are examined during this therapy method.
- Psychodynamic and Insight-Oriented/Solution-Oriented Modalities – this therapy approach enables the client to examine unresolved conflicts and symptoms that arise from past dysfunctional relationships and manifest themselves in the need and desire to abuse substances. The goal with psychodynamic and insight-oriented/solution-oriented modalities is to help my client gain insight to his or her own motivations or to the purpose of behavior. Self-understanding and having an inner connection allows you to break away from old patterns, which may be damaging. The goal with psychodynamic and insight-oriented/solution-oriented modalities is to help my client gain insight to his or her own motivations or to the purpose of behavior. Self-understanding and having an inner connection allows you to break away from old patterns, which may be damaging.
- Exposure Therapy – this therapy helps break the pattern of avoidance and fear. Exposure therapy is a type of therapy that exposes the client to the stimulus which induces a feeling of anxiety. ‘Sitting’ in the uncomfortable feeling helps to understand and deal with ways to better handle that feeling and reduce its intensity.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – DBT seeks to transform negative thoughts and behaviors through skill-building, self-compassion, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. It is used to increase mindfulness, positive coping skills, emotional regularity, assertiveness, and is the preferred mode of treatment for the personality disorder, borderline personality disorder.
- Existential Therapy – this therapy focuses on free will, self-determination, and the search for meaning – often centering on you rather than on the symptoms. The approach emphasizes your capacity to make rational choices, in an effort to develop to your maximum potential, your identity and your self-awareness.
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy – IPT is an empirically validated treatment for a variety of psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, women’s issues (i.e. Postpartum Depression), grief and loss issues, role transitions, and interpersonal discord, using an attachment theoretical perspective.
We use the following tools:
- Visualization and mindfulness
- Stress management and anger management therapies
- Imago therapy for relationship and communication skills.
In addition to treatment modalities, sometimes medication is prescribed. This can be discussed in your session. However, only a medical doctor/psychiatrist can prescribe medication for you. If this is an option, your therapist can discuss options during your sessions and refer you to the appropriate medical professional. Your medication would be monitored by that professional and during the same time, we would discuss what changes you might experience as a result.
Our End Goal
Connection of the mind, body and spirit can offer a more balanced life experience for a client as well as a healthier lifestyle. When we feel free to make choices as an individual, we become less anxious, depressed and able to explore our own goals for a healthy self-actualization.