Rick Schultz

Hi! I'm glad you found me here in a sea of so many qualified providers. What sets me apart from many other therapists is the guiding principle that effective therapy is much more art than science. Research has consistently shown that the most influential common factor in effective therapy is a comfortable working relationship with your therapist (as opposed to a specialized treatment protocol or even years of experience). As such, I treat the quality and trust within our therapeutic relationship as the number one priority. My diverse background and extensive experience, in the helping process, leave me well suited to aide in responding to whatever challenges you may be facing.

I utilize a primarily psychodynamic approach, which looks past the surface level of issues and aims to provide understanding and resolution for long-term, sustainable change. Working in this way helps to connect our past experiences and relationships with the thoughts and decisions we make in the present, building a greater sense of control and stability. I also incorporate several other theoretical models and interventions in order to adapt treatment to best serve you as the client. This may involve more concrete exercises within the context of cognitive-behavioral therapy interventions and solution-focused problem solving or more meditative approaches, such as mindfulness and mentalization strategies. Developing an awareness and insight into your thoughts and decision making is key to attaining greater fulfillment and life satisfaction.

Beyond information gathering and the diagnostic process, my number one priority from the very first session is to build the foundations of a trusting and effective working relationship with you, as my client. I am interested in getting to know the full 'you', because you are much more than what brings you into therapy and I recognize that the sum total of your lived experience is what makes you 'you'. I do my best to provide a space in which we can collaboratively work together to gain greater understanding and address the root causes of your struggles. This, in turn, leads to a greater awareness of opportunities to make different choices and an increased capacity to slow down and act on those things within our control (as well as better tolerating those things outside our control). Therapy is a place where you can be completely open and honest without fear of judgment, ultimately providing you the capacity to live authentically. I offer a free 15-minute consult; contact me or schedule a consult in the 'Book session' box (toward the top right of this page) to see if I'm a good fit for you!