People often think of therapy as a way of addressing a certain problem — such as anxiety, depression, or grief. If we can just make that problem go away, everything else will be fine.
But will it really? In our experience, most people tend to experience the same kinds of problems over and over. As if they were programmed to have that kind of problem, and it's their destiny to go through the same pain again and again.
Our aim isn't to put a quick-fix bandage on today's issue, only to let you continue suffering the same negative patterns in the future.
Instead, we focus on finding the ways that life has taught you to hold yourself back from living fully, and helping you learn to overcome those limitations.
Some of the technical terms for our way of working are:
Health. Happiness. Wholeness. To be free to be your whole self and to enjoy your life.
At Psych Lab, we pay attention to a kind of checklist of mental health "vital signs." Things like:
Now, these aren't exactly the kind of things you Google when you're searching for therapy, right? But they are essential components of a fulfilling life.
So, when you come to us with a problem, we want to get to the bottom of why things are affecting you the way they are. What are some of the ways you might be unknowingly limiting your own potential, standing in your own way, or working against your own values?
We can never get rid of life's stresses and difficulties, but we can help you find different ways of relating to those problems, so they won't bother you as much.
Each of us learns who we are and what we're capable of from our relationships with others. Most of that learning happens early on in life. By the time we're adults, it comes so naturally to do things the same way you've always done them, that it really feels like there are no other options. It's confusing when other people operate differently.
This is why studies have shown that it is the relationship you develop with your therapist over time that leads to growth and change. Because the therapy relationship provides a social context for you to begin seeing yourself and your life in new ways.
We balance the art of challenge and comfort. We will encourage you to face uncomfortable feelings and realities, but we'll also be there to offer a comforting presence and acceptance. This dynamic balance helps you understand your emotions better and encourages you to keep going, even when things are tough.
At Psych Lab, we focus on four main principles: consistency, responsiveness, expectancy, and our ability to tolerate discomfort in the relationship. We offer a consistent space for you, both physically and emotionally. We're mindful and responsive to your needs, constantly adjusting our approach as required.
We believe in you, and we hold onto the belief that you can achieve all the aspects of mental health we've discussed earlier. Lastly, we understand that our relationship won't always be smooth sailing. But we’re okay with that. We see it as an opportunity to demonstrate how you can effectively navigate conflicts and repair relationships in your life.
Our journey together isn’t a quick pit stop, it’s more like a cross-country road trip. Research has shown that having frequent sessions and staying in therapy for a significant period of time often leads to better outcomes. And so, we encourage you to stick with your therapy, even after you first start feeling better.
You see, your path towards mental health isn't about rushing towards a finish line. It's about embracing the journey of life. At Psych Lab, we're committed to helping you realize a potential for well-being that you might never have thought possible for yourself.
Experienced with DBT and attachment-based approaches to trauma and addiction.
Experienced with trauma, disabilities, chronic pain, domestic violence, and relationship problems.
Helps people learn to value themselves & their experiences.
Specializes in helping people work through grief and trauma.
Helps young people find their authentic voice, and heal from discouragement and difficulty.
Skilled in working with complex trauma, severe & chronic mental illness, autism, and ADHD.
Focuses on psychodynamic approaches for deep healing.
Focused on healing trauma and social anxiety, and facilitating personal growth.
Helps people work through trauma, identity issues, & tough life transitions.
Expert in military and sexual trauma, psychosis, and supporting folks along the spectrum of gender and sexuality.
Provides psychological assessment & treatment planning. Specialties in complex trauma, psychanalytic therapy, and clinical hypnosis.