We keep abreast of developing science relevant to psychotherapy and make treatment decisions based on that science. If evidence shows that treatment A works 70 percent of the time and treatment B might work, but hasn’t measurably worked yet, we’re going to suggest we try treatment A before other options. Evidence based practice is academic humility - we assume that there could be knowledge that should inform our practice more than our opinions.
This is more than just jargon! It means that we assume that if you’re coming to work with us it’s because there is something you want to change. This means that we will talk to you about your goals, discuss what we are doing in treatment and why, and will often suggest things to do between sessions to move work along.
You can expect us to be friendly and approachable, but in a down to earth way that means we accept who you are, crack a few jokes, and don’t take ourselves too seriously (though we will take your concerns and issues seriously). If you’ve got a shit sandwich on your hands we won’t call it a cupcake.
Direct doesn’t mean insensitive, but it does mean that we aren’t going to: hold back on saying something that might be helpful but difficult to hear, say that your plan to manage a symptom will work when we don’t think it will, or withold information from you. We believe that it is appropriate for therapists to provide direct guidance and support. We will do more than smile and nod.
No matter your race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, politics, kinks, relationship structure, or baggage, you are welcome here. We are committed to delivering individual therapies while also acknowledging that many problems that people come to therapy with aren’t truly individual - they are impacted by the way people are treated. So long as we think we can help you, you’re in the right place!
We show up to work with you as ourselves, not as a caricature of a shrink that you would see on TV. You will feel like you’re working with a real person. We are straight shooters, so you can be sure that we are giving you genuine feedback. We work to reduce the power differential between client and therapist by being open, admitting to our biases and assumptions when we become aware of them, and being ourselves.