Individual Psychotherapy Individual psychotherapy, also referred to by many as individual counseling, is when the therapist and patient meet one-on-one to mutually try to better understand the issues and problems with which the patient is struggling and together to develop ways for best handling these problems. Although there are many theoretical schools for understanding these issues, research has shown time and time again that the most important factor in successful therapy is the relationship between the therapist and the patient (see how to choose a therapist) The goals of therapy need to be mutually determined and to a great extent will determine the type of therapy undertaken, whether it is short or long-term, individual or group, or possibly marital or family. The goals will hopefully include positive emotional and spiritual growth, along with improved coping and interpersonal skills for dealing with one’s daily life. Frequently it is necessary to talk about past issues as they affect the present, but this should not be an end unto itself. One should also understand that no therapist has the ability to “fix” anyone, but rather it is the process of working together that allows true emotional growth and healing. Individual psychotherapy appointments are generally for 45-50 minutes. Medical Management and Pharmacotherapy As all patients at Stonebriar psychiatric services will be working directly with, or under the supervision of, Dr. Tharp, those for whom psychotropic medication is indicated will have it assessed in an ongoing fashion. For those working with Dr. Tharp in individual psychotherapy, this would naturally be a part of the ongoing therapy process and discussion. There will be some individuals who are seeing other therapists, either in our office or elsewhere, and are being followed by Dr. Tharp primarily for medication evaluation and follow-up. Follow-up appointments for these individuals will be at least 20-25 minutes in length and will be scheduled with Dr. Tharp, depending upon the needs of the individual. It should be stressed that medication does not represent a “cure” in itself, and for most problems requiring medication, the combination of medication and therapy is often most effective. Marital Counseling, Couple's Therapy, Relationship Issues The goal of marital and couples therapy is to better understand communication and relationship patterns within a couple's relationship in order to develop more positive and emotionally healthy relationships and interactional patterns. Frequently this will involve looking at communication patterns, as well as examining the individual needs of both persons within the relationship and how these needs may or may not be communicated and met by the other. Issues that may need to be addressed include how to better deal with conflict, children and other family members, the couple’s sexual relationship, or their ability to deal with spiritual or emotional intimacy. As with other forms of therapy, the specific goals will need to be evaluated and decided upon by the couple with clarification and input from the therapist. Family Counseling Family therapy, much like couples therapy, helps families to better understand their relationships and patterns of interaction with each other and within the family as a whole. This may at times involve meeting with individual family members or perhaps even subgroups within the family, but frequently it involves a commitment on the part of everyone to be at the therapy sessions. Many kinds of problems and conflicts can arise in the “best” of families, and yet, in many cases, there are few settings in which they can better be addressed. Adolescent Therapy and Services The services offered for adolescents are similar to those for adults, although it is even more frequent that family or school involvement may be needed to some degree. Dr. Tharp has completed a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, although currently works only with adolescents of approximately age 10 and up. Because the issue of trust and building a therapeutic relationship is so crucial with the adolescent and their ability to feel safe in talking about the problems with which they are struggling, parents are generally not informed of everything that goes on in the therapy. Attempts are made to help keep parents informed by having family sessions in which the teenager is encouraged to discuss the necessary issues with his or her parents. Exceptions to this confidentiality would include issues that would present clear risk or danger to the adolescent, and they are informed of this at the beginning of treatment. The ultimate goal is to help the adolescent develop better skills for managing his/her daily life and relationships, to begin to fully appreciate her innate value as an individual, and to better communicate and relate in more healthy way to his parents and other family members. |
Dr. David Tharp, board certified psychiatrist and counselor, and the staff at Stonebriar Psychiatric Services are ready to meet your
counseling and psychiatric needs. Offering a broad range of services, including evaluation, psychotherapy, counseling and medication
management. Call us if you are struggling with depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, ADHD, family or
marital issues, compulsive behaviors such as sexual addiction, post-traumatic stress related to past abuse, or self esteem issues. We are a
Christian psychiatric practice located in Frisco, TX. We service Plano, McKinney, Prosper, Celina, Melissa, Anna and Dallas as well as
surrounding areas.
counseling and psychiatric needs. Offering a broad range of services, including evaluation, psychotherapy, counseling and medication
management. Call us if you are struggling with depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, ADHD, family or
marital issues, compulsive behaviors such as sexual addiction, post-traumatic stress related to past abuse, or self esteem issues. We are a
Christian psychiatric practice located in Frisco, TX. We service Plano, McKinney, Prosper, Celina, Melissa, Anna and Dallas as well as
surrounding areas.
| Stonebriar Psychiatric Services, P.A. 972-335-2430 |
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Frisco, Texas 75034
Individual Psychotherapy Medication Management and Pharmacothrapy Marital and Couple's Counseling Family Counseling Adolescent Therapies and Services |
| information. Relationship therapy is excellent for couples who want to enrich their relationship and grow together, those who have some serious issues, or couples who are somewhere in between. . |
