Q. What different approaches to therapy are there?
A.
While each of the main approaches each have a variety of offshoots, the
primary two theoretical approaches are psychodynamic and
cognitive-behavioral approaches.
Psychodynamic therapy includes examining and resolving unconscious
conflicts. The client's early history is seen as extremely important in
the forming of the character of the person and in the forming of
patterns of unconscious thinking that may influence people in their
present day life. The relationship between the therapist and the client
is also seen as very important and is primary in the healing process.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on helping clients identify and
examine faulty beliefs and ineffective behaviors. It is focused on the
present and the client's family background is seen as less relevant.
Unconscious patterns are not examined, nor are dreams, or the
relationship between the client and therapist.
I operate from a psychodynamic background primarily. I believe
that that is the way to heal individuals on a longer
term basis. While it is important to incorporate some cognitive work,
and I do, I believe without looking at the patterns that were adaptive
to help people deal with whatever they needed to in childhood, these
patterns cannot be changed in adulthood. These are often the very
things that get in the way of people enjoying their life today.
Q. Is therapy effective?
A.
Most people who attend therapy report that, because of therapy, they
feel better about themselves and more confident that they can handle the
problems of their lives. Factors that may contribute to the success or
failure of therapy include: the difficulty of the problem; the
competence of the therapist, the motivation of the client to apply
therapeutic principles, and the length of therapy. One of the most
important factors in successful therapy is that you feel good about your
therapist and view the m as competent, someone you can trust, kind,
open, healthy, and a person who understands you and works well with you.
Q.
What are the differences between a psychologist (Ph.D.), a
psychiatrist (M.D.), and a marriage family and child counselor (LMFCC)?
A.
A psychologist received a Ph.D. from a university or professional
school. A psychiatrist received an M.D. from medical school, and an
LMFCC has a masters degree. While they all do may conduct therapy, a
psychologist's major training during graduate school is on the methods of
doing therapy and theory of human development and is additionally
trained in assessment; A psychiatrist had to first learn to understand
the human body first and can prescribe medication, but must obtain
training in doing therapy secondarily if they wish. I am a clinical
psychologist.
As I am a psychologist, I am biased toward the training that these
professionals have if you are looking for a skilled therapist
knowledgeable about human behavior. I do refer to psychiatrists when
medication is indicated. If you haven't been hospitalized and don't
think you will need to be, I would suggest starting with a psychologist;
if you do think you will require hospitalization, start with a
psychiatrist.
Q.
Who asks for help from a psychotherapist?
A.
Many types of people see a therapist. As a matter of fact, more than 10
million Americans see a therapist every year. Of these, in my practice
about half are men and half are women. Many women tend to be less
hesitant about starting therapy, but once then begin, men often find
they get an enormous amount out of therapy and like going.
Q.
How long does therapy usually last?
A.
Therapy lasts various lengths for various people. Some individuals who
may have a very specific problem may gain what they need in only a few
sessions. Sometimes clients require more therapy to reach their desired
goals. The major client factors that contribute to the length of time
include: the presenting problem(s); the client's current situation; the
client's family history; the client's personality; the client's capacity
and willingness to make any necessary changes. Basically, the answer is
similar to the question of how long does it take to read a book - it
depends on how long the book is, how fast you read, and how compelling
the book is.
A clinical psychologist in Los Altos, California, Dr. Greenberg's office
is easily accessible from most of the cities within the Silicon Valley /
Bay Area, including Los Altos, Los Altos Hills,
Mountain View,
Palo Alto,
Menlo Park,
Atherton,
Saratoga,
Sunnyvale,
Los Gatos,
Santa Clara,
and San Jose.
