What can I expect from therapy?
Dr. Barnes creates a safe, therapeutic and confidential environment for her patients. In the initial appointments, Dr. Barnes will gather information about your history (family, relationship, psychological, career) and your current lifestyle (schedule, stressors, support network). You are encouraged to ask any questions you have about therapy and to share your objectives and concerns.
Through a process of self-examination, emotional awareness, and growth, the goal of psychotherapy is a change in attitudes, feelings, and behaviors that will enhance the ability to enjoy life and relationships—both personal and professional.
If you are considering therapy, it’s normal to have some doubts and fears. Dr. Barnes encourages her patients to share how they are feeling. This process of gathering a complete picture of your situation allows for the best care in addressing and solving areas of concern.
Dr. Barnes specializes in working with adults and tailors the therapy programs to best meet the needs and goals of our clients.
Stressors & Effects That Can Be Addressed in Therapy
Difficult times in our life trigger stressors that can adversely affect our overall health and well-being: our self-esteem, activity level, and connectedness to others.
Self-esteem
Do you like yourself? Do you see only your weaknesses? Are you always asking for validation from others? Do you consistently feel less valuable than others or take the blame for anything that goes wrong?
Activity Level
Do you participate in a variety of social and career activities? Is your activity level passively low or frenzied, yet unproductive? Are you doing too little toward getting what you want?
Connectedness
Do you have social acquaintances? A number of familiar friends, with at least one or two friends or family members with whom you talk candidly and share feelings?
As previously noted, these difficult times may be caused by a life-changing event or seemingly nothing in particular. Either way, the impact may be more than we are equipped to cope with on our own. Some examples are listed below:
Death of a spouse, family member, significant other or pet
Separation or divorce
Marital or relationship problems
Loss of a relationship or friendship
Difficulty or inability to conceive a child or miscarriage
Generational issues (boomerang children, middle aged family dynamics, etc.)
Change or loss of job
Job crises or burnout
Serious illness or injury
Depression
Anxiety
Planning for retirement