Bridging Bootcamp & the Courtroom: My Expertise in Providing Psychological Evaluations

As a former active-duty military psychologist, I bring a unique perspective to expert opinions, assessments, and evaluations. Having served those who dedicate their lives to service, I understand the profound impact that psychological health has on personal well-being, career performance, and legal matters. Whether conducting fitness-for-duty evaluations, assessing psychological damages in legal cases, or supporting disability claims, I am committed to providing thorough, evidence-based assessments that help individuals and organizations make informed decisions.

During my time in the military, I conducted over 300 fitness-for-duty evaluations for service members in the U.S. Navy and United States Marine Corps, particularly at Naval Station Great Lakes and the USMC Embassy Security Group. These assessments played a crucial role in determining whether personnel were mentally and emotionally fit to continue their duties. High-stakes roles, such as those in embassy security and operational military units, require resilience and stability, and my evaluations helped ensure the right personnel were in the right roles. Now, in my private practice, I continue to provide fitness-for-duty evaluations for civilians and military personnel alike, ensuring safety and effectiveness in high-demand professions.

In addition to my military experience, I have partnered with prestigious law firms, including Sidley Austin LLP, to provide expert psychological opinions in legal cases. Attorneys have sought my assessments for disability claims and psychological damages evaluations. For veterans seeking benefits due to service-related mental health conditions, my military background allows me to provide an informed and compassionate perspective, ensuring their struggles are properly documented and recognized in legal proceedings. My expertise in forensic and clinical psychology ensures that mental health is accurately represented in court cases and compensation claims.

Beyond legal and occupational assessments, I also conduct disability evaluations for individuals struggling with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders that impact their daily lives. These evaluations are critical for those seeking benefits or accommodations, as they provide objective, scientifically backed insights into the severity of their conditions. My goal is to ensure that those in need receive the support and resources they deserve.

Providing expert opinions and psychological evaluations is more than just a profession for me—it is a continuation of my service. Whether assisting veterans, supporting legal cases, or guiding fitness-for-duty determinations, I am dedicated to offering thorough, ethical, and evidence-based psychological assessments. If you are in need of an expert evaluation, whether for legal, occupational, or disability-related purposes, I invite you to reach out and see how I can assist you.

Burnout and Beyond: How Overworking is Hurting Men's Mental Health

The first question that I ask a prospective client during an initial consultation is, “What is leading you to seek therapy at this time?” The most common answer I receive from men is lack of satisfaction with their job. More than any problem with their partner or children or friend or in-laws are problems finding satisfaction with their occupation. Why is dissatisfaction with work such a strong force that leads men to seek therapy? Western culture has long equated a man's worth with his productivity, making it difficult for many to establish a healthy work-life balance. While ambition and hard work are valuable traits, an overreliance on work can have severe consequences on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Understanding the root causes of excessive work habits and seeking support, such as therapy, can be crucial in breaking this cycle.

Many men struggle with overcommitment to work due to deeply ingrained beliefs about success and responsibility. From a young age, they are conditioned to view professional achievements as a measure of their self-worth. The pressure to provide, succeed, and prove themselves can drive them to overwork at the expense of personal relationships, hobbies, and self-care. Over time, this relentless pursuit of success can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and even depression (Burke, 2006). The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this issue, as remote work blurred the lines between personal and professional life, making it even harder for men to set boundaries and disengage from work-related pressures.

One of the most concerning aspects of excessive work devotion is its impact on mental health. Excessive working can create feelings of emptiness and isolation, as personal connections take a backseat to professional obligations. Without intervention, the effects of work addiction can be long-lasting and damaging (Schaufeli, Taris, & Bakker, 2008).

Therapy can be a powerful tool in helping men recognize and address their overworking tendencies. Therapy can help by allowing men to explore the underlying fears and beliefs that drive excessive work habits, including beliefs about productivity and success. Therapy also encourages the development of social support and resources outside of the work realm, ensuring that men do not use work as a way to avoid difficult emotions or personal challenges (Andreassen, Hetland, & Pallesen, 2014).

Breaking free from compulsive work habits requires self-awareness, support, and a willingness to change. By seeking therapy and prioritizing mental health, men can learn to redefine their sense of self-worth beyond their careers. True success is not measured by the number of hours worked but by the ability to lead a balanced, fulfilling life. Addressing excessive work habits is not about working less—it’s about living more. If you’d like to explore this further, consider booking a free consultation to take the first step toward a healthier work-life balance.

References

Andreassen, C. S., Hetland, J., & Pallesen, S. (2014). Workaholism and well-being among high achievers: A longitudinal study. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 19(3), 315-328. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0035709

Burke, R. J. (2006). Workaholism in organizations: Psychological and physical well-being consequences. Stress and Health, 22(3), 143-157. https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.1108

Schaufeli, W. B., Taris, T. W., & Bakker, A. B. (2008). It takes two to tango: Workaholism is working excessively and working compulsively. The Journal of Organizational Behavior, 29(1), 39-54. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.403

How Can Men's Therapy Help with Political Anxiety?

How to Cope with Political Events

In today’s world, it seems like political events are always in the headlines, shaping our lives in ways both subtle and dramatic. Whether it’s an election, a global crisis, or local political movements, the constant stream of political news can be overwhelming. As a psychologist, I see firsthand how these events impact mental health, often causing anxiety, depression, and a sense of powerlessness. For many men, political events can prompt unique emotional responses that may not always be addressed, but still adversely impact mental health. Therapy provides strategies that can help men cope with political events in a healthy and constructive way. Here are some key insights on managing the emotional toll that political events can have on your well-being, particularly when it comes to men’s issues and the challenges that arise.

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

The first step in coping with political events is to recognize and acknowledge your emotional response. It’s normal to feel upset, anxious, or frustrated when events seem to be out of your control. Whether you’re feeling anger at policies you disagree with, fear about the future, or confusion about what is happening, your emotions are valid.

As a men’s therapist, I often see how societal expectations of men—like being strong, stoic, or detached from emotion—can make it harder to express feelings of vulnerability. However, acknowledging how you feel, without judgment or shame, is crucial. Men’s therapy can help you navigate these emotions effectively, enabling you to manage your stress and anxiety in a more balanced way.

2. Limit Exposure to News

In the age of 24/7 news cycles, it's easy to become consumed by political events. While staying informed is important, too much exposure to negative or distressing information can contribute to anxiety and stress, particularly for men who might already feel pressured to respond in a way that aligns with social expectations of toughness. If you find that the news is causing you distress, it may be time to take a step back.

Try limiting your news consumption to a specific time of day, and focus on reliable sources that provide a balanced perspective. This can help you avoid the constant barrage of sensational headlines and the overwhelming feeling that you're always in the loop. For many men, understanding that it’s okay to take breaks and prioritize mental health over constant engagement with the news can be a powerful step toward emotional wellness.

3. Engage in Meaningful Action

While political events can often feel beyond our control, a helpful way to cope may by engaging in meaningful action. Action can help shift focus from feelings of helplessness to empowerment. Whether it’s volunteering, contacting a friend, or engaging in a hobby, taking steps to align your actions with your values can create a sense of agency and purpose.

For therapy for men, focusing on constructive actions can provide a healthy outlet for the frustration and stress many men experience during times of political unrest. Even small actions, like having conversations with others about how political events are impacting you, can lessen feelings of helplessness.

4. Set Boundaries with Political Discussions

Political debates and discussions, especially on social media, can sometimes escalate quickly into heated arguments that leave everyone feeling drained. Setting boundaries around political conversations is vital for maintaining your mental well-being. As men, there can be additional societal pressure to "fight" for your position in a discussion, but it's essential to know when to step back.

It’s okay to say no to discussions that make you uncomfortable or that aren’t constructive. If someone is trying to engage you in a debate that feels too intense or hostile, kindly explain that you would prefer not to participate. Setting these boundaries can protect your emotional space, making it easier to avoid feeling overwhelmed, angry, or reactive.

5. Foster Community and Support

In difficult times, it’s crucial to seek out support and foster a sense of community. Connecting with others who share your values or who can offer a different perspective can provide emotional comfort and reduce feelings of isolation. This is especially important for men, who are sometimes conditioned to avoid reaching out for emotional support. Whether it’s joining a political group, participating in community organizations, or simply talking to friends and family, support networks can help you process your thoughts and feelings.

Having healthy spaces to discuss your thoughts and emotions, both in private and public settings, is essential for coping with political events. These types of conversations are not only empowering but can also provide valuable perspectives that challenge your own beliefs in constructive ways.

6. Practice Self-Compassion

The stress of political events can sometimes lead to self-criticism or feelings of inadequacy. You may find yourself doubting your ability to make a difference, or feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world. In these moments, it’s important to practice self-compassion. Men are often taught to push through difficult emotions, but self-compassion is crucial for long-term emotional well-being.

7. Seek Professional Help When Needed

Finally, if political events are causing you significant distress or affecting your ability to function, don’t hesitate to seek professional support. Speaking with a psychologist, particularly one who specializes in therapy for men, can provide you with tools to manage anxiety and stress, as well as offer a space to process difficult emotions.

I have worked with many men who have sought therapy in order to stay emotionally resilient in challenging times. If political events are affecting your mental health, reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Final Thoughts

For men, prioritizing emotional wellness in the face of political stress is crucial, and seeking support through therapy can be a powerful tool in helping you stay grounded and resilient. If you are interested in a phone consultation to see if therapy can be beneficial for you, please feel free to check the “Make an Appointment” tab on the homepage.

The Good-Enough Father

Authored by Alyssa Strenger, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist

Almost three years ago my dad was throwing me around under the stars at my wedding dance like he was a professional swing dancer. My initial shock quickly faded into a giddy trust, and I allowed my dad to toss me in the air without fear or hesitation knowing my Dad would catch me. He did.

Researchers have highlighted the role of fathers as much more than secondary parents or babysitters. Dads are essential for the emotional, social, and physical development of their children, and perfection is not required; just be good-enough. Children of involved fathers have higher levels of confidence and motivation as well as improved thinking skills and social adeptness. These characteristics are nurtured through the secure attachment children have with their fathers, knowing that if he throws them in the air he will catch them. Secure attachment allows children to feel safe when frightened or uncomfortable, feel confident enough to explore their world knowing dad has their back, and learn to accept and tolerate their emotions.1

The good news is that developing a secure attachment is more intuitive than one might think. Dads are just as biologically prepared to care for their infants as mothers. In fact, the bonding hormone oxytocin has also been found to increase in men’s brains after the birth of a child and is linked to more active parenting behaviors.2 So knowing you were made for this, here are four ways to strengthen the father-child bond.

First, remember that spending time with your child is about quality and consistency. Even if you are a dad who works full time, setting aside some quality time every day to be present with your child will have an immeasurable impact. Play with your children, read to them, follow them on adventures, or have Saturday breakfast dates. It does not matter what you do, it just matters that you show up.

Second, have conversations with your child. Take time to ask specific, open-ended questions about the day (e.g., What did you do on your play date with Sam? How’s your volleyball serve coming along? What’s been hard?). Let your child see that you are curious about the little things. Believe it or not, you are more valuable than the screens they are looking at!

Third, show affection to your child. Vocalize your love over and over again, even when all you get in response is a tired, “I knoooooowwww, Dad.” Give the hugs, the kisses, and the hair tussles. Provide descriptive praise and affirmation for the budding person and not just the accomplishments (e.g. You felt nervous to go to the dance but you still went—that was brave. You got your sister’s bottle when I asked you to—that was so helpful!)

Last, allow yourself to be good-enough not perfect. You can’t catch ‘em all, and the adequately prepared child needs an occasional fall—except if you’ve tossed her in the air, then try to catch her. All your child needs for you to be is good-enough.

1Hoffman, K., Cooper, G., & Powell, B. (2017) Raising a Secure Child. The Guilford Press: New York, New York.

2https://fatherhood.global

The Consequences of Not Feeling

Most men have been rewarded for not feeling

Men often have an experience before they have an understanding of it. An event may prompt a man to feel a vague sense of discomfort, but it will only be made truly meaningful once he understands the precise emotions that were elicited. For example, being publicly reprimanded by your boss may make you feel uneasy, but understanding that the feeling was shame will equip you with greater knowledge and guide you about what to do next.   

Ideally all men would have learned how to identify what they’re feeling, but often the opposite is true. Most men have been rewarded for not feeling. They have received messages early in life, both overtly and covertly, that displaying emotions undermines other masculine ideals like strength and stability. These messages are often given by an important male figure in the boy’s early life, such as his father. The risk of appearing non-masculine and betraying this male figure is likely too great of a consequence, so he learns that emotional expression must be abandoned. These messages continue to be reinforced throughout childhood and adolescence. Once in adulthood, the consequences of not feeling become most noticeable in the domains of friendships, romantic relationships, work performance, and the use of unhelpful, short-term fixes. Thankfully, therapy provides solutions to these dilemmas.  

Friendships

Most men state that their most important friendships are with other men. When both men have been told not to feel, the friendship may be restricted to participating in hobbies or discussing sports or politics. These relationships can provide a degree of satisfaction, but they do not often provide a context to share the richness of emotional lives that most men crave.

Romantic Relationships

Men are often criticized for not being fully present in their romantic relationships. Whether it is with a girlfriend or a spouse, a man’s inability to feel emotions is often perceived as disengagement or disinterest by his partner. When disagreements arise and a resolution is needed, most partners want to know what the man feels and how to avoid a similar disagreement in the future. When men cannot label what they feel, repairing romantic relationships becomes problematic.

Work Performance

Professional success is quantified by outcomes, not intent. Since being successful at work is a value held by most men, they understand that a measurable goal must be achieved.  The culture of many companies privileges masculine ideals and reinforces the idea that it doesn’t matter what you feel, as long as you reach the goal. When emotional inhibition is seen as necessary for success, it is no wonder that some men feel dissatisfied with their professional lives and wish to be more fulfilled in their occupation.  

Unhelpful, Short-Term Fixes

It is an enticing idea that denying an emotion will make it disappear, but it doesn’t work. Avoiding a feeling will only make that feeling grow over time. Many men know it is unreasonable to expect an emotion will evaporate if avoided, but they also don’t know how to get unstuck. The map out of the stuck place is confusing and the undesired emotion must be quelled somehow. Therefore, men commonly adopt a set of behaviors to compensate for their inability to feel emotions. A variety of numbing behaviors, like alcohol use, sexual activity, or over reliance on technology, provide momentary relief from these painful emotions. Relief does occur, but the brevity of the fix often leaves men feeling even more stuck than when they started.

How to Feel Better

These consequences do not have to be permanent. There are steps that men can take to regain the power and confidence they lost by neglecting emotions. Individual therapy and men’s group therapy are powerful mediums that can help men feel better. However, it’s important that men find a therapist who is knowledgeable of men’s issues. I’ve maintained a focus on men’s issues in research and clinical practice because I believe that men find more success in therapy when their therapist is well-acquainted with these ideas. Learn more here about how therapy with men is different and or schedule an initial phone consultation here.

Real Change Takes Real Time

pursue long-term growth, not quick fixes.

Whenever a friend tells me that they’ve started long-term therapy, I feel proud and excited. I am proud that they have courageously sought to explore feelings that were once too scary to share with someone else, and excited that they will grow in understanding and insight.

Sometimes these friends return in a few weeks and ask me the same two questions: “Why doesn’t my therapist give me advice?” and “Why aren’t my problems fixed in four sessions?” My response to both questions is the same, “Because real change takes real time.”  

I admit that the lure of a short-term fix is intoxicating. The promise of immediate results has become endemic to our culture. We are guaranteed to lose 15 lbs. in 10 days and become a millionaire by the weekend if we act now! These claims are unsuccessful because they are made irrespective of important considerations like process and value. We know that there is a trustworthy process we must follow to lose weight or save money, and neither can be completed overnight. These short-term schemes that value immediacy over other qualities, like commitment and patience, fail because they have a flawed understanding of how change happens. Lasting growth is created by first understanding the processes of change, trusting and committing to these processes, and then reaping the hard-fought rewards like increased awareness and improved relationships.

It is for these reasons why therapists who value long-term growth will refrain from offering advice. Advice is a short-term fix, a Band-Aid that will be sufficient for a minor cut but inadequate for a deep wound. When therapy is relegated to advice giving or highly directive statements (“do this, don’t do that”), the process of change is stifled. Change must entail exploring what elements of the past are influencing current behavior, not simply obeying what a therapist tells you to do.

Therapy that enables lasting change will also necessarily be longer than four (or six, or eight) sessions. I wish this wasn’t the case. Most clients wish this too. We both wish that acquiring awareness didn’t require weeks of work, both inside and outside the therapy room. We wish that there was a wonder pill, a steroid that would accelerate growth and enable a quick erasure of anxiety. But this solution isn’t viable. Just like a fad diet that helps you shed water weight but does little to impact the core of the problem, the benefit of quick-fix therapy is often short-lived.

At first glance, this picture of long-term therapy looks pretty bleak. Who would want to commit to a long-term investment if a short-term fix would suffice? Thankfully, decades of psychological research and practice have confirmed that long-term therapy produces long-term growth. The vehicle to long-term change is not a quick fix, but a trusting, collaborative relationship with a therapist who enables safe exploration of thoughts, feelings, desires, and behavior.

The notion that real change takes real time has been a foundation of my clinical practice. I have witnessed many clients invest in this process and enjoy the lasting impact of long-term therapy. If you're interested in learning more about my approach to therapy, learn more here. You can also call for a free phone consultation or book an appointment here.

How Does Therapy Help?

Effective therapy involves Three Components

We only invest in a process if we know how it is going to help. We buy a Blue Apron membership because we know it’ll ease the burden of cooking, and we pay a mechanic to fix squealing brakes because we know they are necessary to drive a car. But many of us do not start therapy because we don’t know how it actually helps.    

Even though we don’t know how therapy helps, we intuitively know when something is wrong and needs to be fixed. Just like squealing brakes that will not repair on their own, past trauma, broken relationships, and feelings like anger and shame will continue to negatively impact us until we seek help.  

The prescription for effective therapy involves three components: providing insight and new experiences within the context of a therapeutic relationship.

Insight is knowing what we feel, what we do, and why we do it. We often know when something feels bad, even though we can’t determine why we feel that way. Or, we find ourselves caught in repetitive cycles of doing what we don’t want to do. We may spend a lot of time thinking of solutions on our own, but it’s hard to independently gain insight. Therapy helps because it involves discovering fresh perspectives on persistent problems.

Therapy also provides an environment to create new experiences. Many of us are stuck in old patterns we have learned in childhood: don’t feel angry, don’t have needs, figure things out on your own. These messages become fixated in adulthood and negatively impact our identity and relationship with others. Like a laboratory where discoveries are made, therapy is a space to create new experiences that can be transferred into our everyday lives.  

Finally, therapy helps when it is delivered in the context of a collaborative, empathic relationship. Insight and new experiences are important, but long-term change is achieved in the context of a therapeutic relationship. Without the context of a relationship, therapy is like reading a self-help book; it may provide some momentary help, but you are left craving a deeper connection to help understand your problem.

The mission of Chicago Collaborative Psychotherapy is to create lasting change. Through years of conducting therapy, I have found that these three components are necessary to reach this goal. If you are interested in learning more, call me for a free phone consultation or learn more about how to find a good therapist.  

Jay-Z Thinks You Should Start Therapy

If there is a blueprint to success, Jay-Z is the chief architect. He is one of the best-selling musicians of all time who masterfully delivers rhymes about his personal experiences. His music is confessional and unapologetic, whether he is talking about growing up in the housing projects of Brooklyn or defying barriers to become the richest hip-hop musician in the world.

After a highly public elevator incident in 2014, speculation arose about infidelity. Three years later, he addressed these rumors in the release of the 4:44 album. In consistent form from his early career, he used this album to share intimate details of his personal life, including allusions to attending therapy.

In an interview with the editor of the New York Times, Jay-Z was asked outright, “This album sounds to me like a therapy session. Have you been in therapy?” In his unmistakable Brooklyn accent, he immediately, confidently replies, “Yeah yeah.”

He shares how therapy led to greater awareness as to how he shutdown emotions in order to survive painful childhood events, such as his father’s absence. He credits therapy with understanding how men who raised him hid their emotions in order to protect themselves from being perceived as wounded or weak. “You have to survive...so you shut down all emotions… you can’t connect. And all things happen from there.”

He details how learning to suppress emotions robbed him of happiness, even at the height of his professional success. “I was hiding,” he states. “The strangest thing a man can do is cry. To expose your feelings, to be vulnerable to the world? That’s real strength. You feel like you have to be this guarded person. That’s not real. That’s fake.” He offers these insights in a celebratory tone, as if he is finally freed from false childhood messages about what a man should be.

As the interview concludes, his attitude is hopeful. “The next chapter is (knowing) the most beautiful things are not objects. The most beautiful things are inside.” He cites his friendships, his relationship with his mother, and the growth he has achieved in therapy as evidence for this claim. He speaks with the assuredness of someone who has worked hard to understand the influence of his past and is enjoying the freedom of arriving on the other side.

Jay-Z’s experiences are common for many men. If you are interested in learning how you could benefit from therapy, call me for a free phone consultation or schedule an appointment here.

Depression in Men: Understanding the Missing Piece

Avoiding help and being a man have become synonymous. From professional athletes to sitcom portrayals of dads, we are told that a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do and he often has to do it alone.   

A main reason why men avoid seeking help is due to gender role socialization, the beliefs and expectations that we have for how a man should think and behave. Men should value certain ideals, such as being in control, being financial providers, and restricting emotions. When men allow themselves to experience emotions, it should be only anger or rage. These emotions propel the man to action versus emotions like sadness, shame, or loneliness, which heighten vulnerability and undermine the power and control he has been taught to seek.

When men restrict emotions, they also restrict expressions of emotions, such as crying. Boys who are raised to believe that crying is weakness eventually grow up to be men who are skilled at hiding their true feelings.

This phenomenon becomes meaningful in the assessment and treatment of men with depression. Many therapists are trained to see emotions, such as sad mood, as the hallmark symptom of depression. But how do we accurately assess and treat depression if a man avoids emotions? Instead of the stereotypical sad mood, men may exhibit masculine-specific depressive symptoms such as anger, conflict with family or spouse, increased substance use, or workaholism.

At face value, these symptoms are not assumed to be related to depression. The image of an angry person and a depressed person are quite different. However, men may feel safety expressing anger more than sadness, or may use substances to blunt the impact of depression. I have seen many men in therapy who believed that their problem was mismanaged anger, drinking a little too much, or not knowing how to communicate with their spouse. When we examined these symptoms through the lens of depression, therapy became more meaningful. These men were able to acknowledge the long-lasting impact of depression and gained insight to change.

Many men do not realize that there is a hidden link between masculinity and depression. Men need to receive therapy that acknowledges gender influences and examines how they influence psychological wellness. My specialization in men’s issues led me to become a psychologist in the U.S. Navy and contributor to the academic journal, Psychology of Men & Masculinity. Learn more about my approach to therapy here or schedule an initial phone consultation here.

Contributions from Rabinowitz & Cochran (2008).

How Do I Find a Good Therapist?

A good therapist was twice as effective as ANy antidepressant medication.

The decision to start therapy is not taken lightly. Some individuals feel unsure about starting therapy, feeling hopeful that it can help and cautiously concerned about revisiting old wounds. Once ambivalence clears and the firm decision to begin therapy is made, the looming question remains: How do I find a good therapist?

Many start with consulting online listing sites, but our technology-driven culture does not help ease this complicated task. We have become accustomed to opening an app, being bombarded with options, and making a decision in seconds. This process is repeated, whether it’s swiping through a list of potential dating partners or scoping reviews for a restaurant. However, finding a good therapist is different from researching a brunch spot and requires a more thoughtful method.  

This process becomes even more difficult when we consider how therapy is different from other healthcare services. Imagine you are enjoying a perfect weekend on the ski slopes until you meet the wrong side of the pine tree. You come to find out you need surgery to repair your ACL. You would prefer that your surgeon is empathetic and genuine, but you ultimately need her to perform the surgery well. Personality characteristics are secondary to her main job of repairing your ACL.

In psychotherapy, personality characteristics are at the forefront of the healing process. Decades of research confirms that the relationship between the therapist and the client is the tool that creates good outcomes in therapy, even more so than the therapist’s technique or experience [1]. When these conditions are met, the results are astounding. A summary of research shows clients believed a good therapist was twice as effective as any FDA approved antidepressant medication [2].

So what factors make for a good therapist? Findings are resolute that good experiences in therapy are dependent on a therapist’s strong relational qualities [3]. An effective therapist must display empathy, or a continual effort to compassionately understand, in order to help a client recognize their own feelings. Reduction in depressed mood, enhanced self-esteem, and increased insight are all direct byproducts of an empathetic therapist [4].

In addition to empathy, good therapists demonstrate genuineness. These therapists relate to their clients authentically and transparently, understanding them as real people and not as a list of complaints to be cured. Genuineness enhances the relationship between therapist and client, which in turn enhances the client’s progression toward goals. Clients who reported improvement in therapy believed that their therapist’s genuineness was the most important aspect of the treatment [5].

Finally, a good therapist will be able to identify when the client's goals aren't being met. Better outcomes prevail when clients and therapists address ways in which therapy isn’t working and seek to correct this process [6]. Good therapists will also seek to repair conflicts with clients. Therapy can also be an emotionally taxing experience where misunderstandings occasionally emerge. Therapists who address these instances and explore ways to correct them create better therapeutic outcomes than therapists who avoid discussing them [7].

The type of therapy offered at CCP strives to model these qualities. Learn more about the services provided here or schedule an appointment here.

[1] Luborsky et al. (1986) [2] Turner, Matthews, Linardatos, Tell, & Rosenthal (2008) [3] Keenan & Rubin (2016) [4] Watson, McMullen, Prosser, & Bedard (2011) [5] Curtis, Field, Knaan-Kostman, & Mannix (2004) [6] Safran, Muran, & Eubanks-Carter (2011) [7] Ibid