What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy, or counseling, is a process in which an individual, couple, or family collaborate with a trained professional to create a private and nonjudgmental environment for the purpose of discussing and resolving problems and issues with confidentiality (please see the “Contact us” section for information on confidentiality).
While the terms psychotherapy and counseling are sometimes used interchangeably, psychotherapy typically indicates a more in-depth analysis of the behaviors and personalities involved. This kind of consultation with a trained professional has been shown to drastically increase objectivity, clarification, and insight into most problem an individual, couple, or family might experience. York Region Therapy offers Counseling and Psychotherapy Services by Expert Psychotherapist – Dr. Rose D’Elia Schnabel, MA, MSW, RSW, PhD.
This process furthers the understanding and acceptance of self and others by allowing for the expression of ideas, opinions, and emotions with a feeling of safety that might not exist in other situations.
The result is an evolved perspective based on new information, a better understanding of the issues and personalities involved, an increased awareness of self and available resources, and the ability to make more rational and reliable life choices.
Psychotherapy allows an individual to become the author of his/her own life and is a process from which we all can benefit from time to time.
How does it Work?
Your attitude towards your therapy and your willingness to be open with your therapist are most important in determining the outcome. A willingness to work at therapy and a commitment to the therapeutic process for a period of time will greatly increase the likelihood of success in achieving the designated goals.
The personal approach, style and philosophy of your therapist is important. Dr. Rose D’Elia Schnabel’s approach to therapy is summarized in the “Our Approach” section.
Therapy sometimes requires the sharing of highly personal, painful, or embarrassing information with the therapist. Discussions of a very personal nature usually involve some anxiety in the beginning. Once a client understands the professional confidentiality and nonjudgmental attitude offered by Dr. Rose D’Elia Schnabel, concerns along these lines are usually resolved. In fact, one of the main goals of strict confidentiality is to create an environment in which the client feels totally free to discuss any event, behavior, emotion, opinion, etc., that they are experiencing or have experienced in the past. With the more objective self-observation that occurs during the therapeutic process, Dr. Rose D’Elia Schnabel’s clients gain more control over their thoughts, feelings, and behavior through increased self-awareness and self-acceptance.
When Should You Seek Therapy?
Personality disorders and mood disorders may contribute to life problems, usually without the individual’s knowledge. Increased self-knowledge alone allows many people to have more control over their symptoms, their personality and behavior, and their life choices setting the stage for personal improvement and growth.
Individuals who have not experienced therapy before may feel some apprehension about the process. This is very common and quite understandable. Any concerns you have regarding both the potential benefits of therapy or fears of possible harmful effects should be discussed with Dr. Rose D’Elia Schnabel, during the initial session, or at any other time if these concerns surface.
From time to time, everyone experiences such difficulties in life and can benefit from the help and assistance available through professional psychotherapy. Therapy offers the client the opportunity to examine, confront, clarify, and reassess their understanding of themselves and their situation. Psychotherapy can be extremely effective in helping people with problems as diverse as major or minor depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, parent-child / adolescent conflict including spousal or child abuse, parenting skills, marital strife, separation/divorce transition, problems with extended family, loss of a loved one, self-esteem issues, career issues, stress management, etc.
If any other resources are required to help with individual issues, York Region Therapy will assist in helping you identify needs and provide information and direction to help bridge other areas of expertise.