As a geriatric specialist for 40 years, I promote psychological well being in conjunction with physical wellness. Social, occupational and family dynamics influence mental health and I explore them in the individual and family therapy settings.
I ask people to explain their interest in psychotherapy based on their understandings of what parts of their lives and relationships are producing stress and distress. If they are motivated for cognitive/behavioral tactics or are more interested in psychodynamic and humanistic solutions, I explain how I would structure the therapy sessions and set goal and expectations they can demonstrate to themselves for improved psychological functioning.
I ask them to tell me about their psychological and emotional distress and their beliefs about the origins of their conditions. I describe my training and therapeutic philosophy and we determine if there is sufficient rapport to continue
