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 Counseling
Dr. Sharona's Counseling/Psychotherapy Practice
What is Dr. Sharona's professional style?
Dr. Sharona actively engages her clients in the therapeutic process and develops a collaborative relationship in which clearly defined goals are arrived at together. Therapy is most effective when client and therapist share an understanding that the therapeutic relationship is a component of the change process. In the context of the therapeutic relationship patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving are exhibited that are manifested in some form outside of the therapist's office and in clients' daily lives. In meeting with clients Dr. Sharona brings an attitude of concern, compassion and down-to-earth warmth. Her presence is felt by clients since she is actively engaged in the process of coming to an understanding of what has brought a new client in to meet with her. She explores with them the growth they are hoping to achieve through the process of psychotherapy. Dr. Sharona's knowledge on a wide variety of subjects and her ability to put herself in other people's shoes increases her effectiveness with clients from diverse backgrounds. She comes into sessions with an attitude of curiosity, inspiring others to become curious about their own behavior. Perhaps a distinction between Dr. Sharona from other therapists is her personal and professinal belief in "Every human being has the power to grow once they recognize this potential in themselves." She believes that regardless of age "Old dogs can learn new tricks." Clients repeatedly report that Dr. Sharona has been able to connect with them in meaningful ways allowing them to be more receptive to self-reflection and experimentation in a safe environment with taking on new perspectives.
What is Dr. Sharona's philosophy about why people are the way they are?
Dr. Sharona believes that the intentions of most people are to do the best that they know how to do at any given moment in time. Sometimes people may not be able to be their best because of any number of factors and some of these include:
- Compromised energy due to physical illness or depression
- Stress interfering with ab ability to think clearly
- Overwhelming anxiety limiting their ability to take action
- Difficulty prioritizing demands
- Being low on emotional energy, limiting their ability to nurture others
- Misperceiving events and other's behaviors
- Continuation of dysfunctional patterns of behavior that may have been learned in the family of origin
- Faulty beliefs about other people's intentions
Sometimes people feel confused, having difficulty grasping why someone is acting differently and considering that the reasons may be based on factors listed above or there may be other explanations. While most people's intentions may be to contribute to the best of their ability, there are times when energy reserves are low and it is more difficult to accessinternal and external resources. When this occurs conflicts between people are more likely to occur. They may feel let down by someone who has been dependable and overreact to a temporary change. If they attribute meanings to these changes without checking them out with that person e.g., "Are you feeling okay? Is something going on?" In the absence of inquiry, matters can become more complicated if one person feels offended and withdraws, they are unlikely to express interest and concern for the other person. This may result in both people feeling that they are not being cared about by the other, and come to the conclusion, "it's all about him/her." When there is mutual concern and interest in another person a higher value is placed on the relationship and there is an investment in repairing any ruptures.
When the people in relationships are able to trust and sustain with confidence the other's positive intentions it is easier to accept an occasional disappointment. They believe in their ability to survive disappointments as long as they are the exception rather than the rule. When a person repeatedly lets someone down and the other person tolerates such a recurrent pattern then they are compromising their self-respect. They are endorsing new rules in the relationship that disappointing the other is an acceptable norm. Differentiating between when something is an isolated episode related to a particular set of circumstances and there is genuine remorse versus a life long pattern of being unreliable or unpredictable, the latter reflects a lack of respect of others.
What are some common interferences with being and doing the best you can at any moment in time?
Mistaken beliefs: "He can't help being . . .," "She can't do it because . . ." If I had . . . then I could . . .;" or "Since I didn't go to college then I can't . . ." are phrases of self-justification which limit a person's growth potential.
Irrational beliefs: "You, or I should . . ." or "You, or I have to . . ." or "You, or I must . . ." are disrespectful and may convey a power differential implying someone knows better than you and has the right to command you to do something.
Limiting beliefs: "I am not very good at . . ." or "This works for others but not for me," are ways that people hold themselves back and create self-fulfilling prophecies.
What age groups does Dr. Sharona work with?
Dr. Sharona is very comfortable working with clients of all ages, trained initially in child development and development as an ongoing process throughout the various stages in our lives. She has researched attachment starting in utero, progressing from birth between an infant and parents, in adolescent and young adult relationships, romantic attachments, and between adult children and their parents. Her practice extends from working with expectant parents through empty nesters and into retirement years as well as caring for aging parents, or a disabled child or spouse and bereavement.
Does Dr. Sharona work with more than one person at a time?
Yes, she works with individuals, couples, and families in various combinations, appreciating the importance of nuclear (immediate) family relationships as well as with extended family. Dr. Sharona is a highly trained Marital and Family therapist (trained in an AAMFT, American Association of Marital and Family Therapy, approved program).
Does Dr. Sharona work with parents, children, and their schools?
When a child is experiencing learning or behavioral issues in school, Dr. Sharona is available to do school observations, to consult with school staff and attend staffings and IEP (Individual Educational Plan) conferences. Dr. Sharona has worked with students, parents and schools in most of the metro-area school districts.
What makes Dr. Sharona's training and practice unique?
Dr. Sharona's passion for learning is evidenced in her credentials as well as in her work with clients who benefit from her wealth of knowledge and ability to utilize strategies from a multitude of evidence-based theoretical perspectives to find the best fit for each unique client's needs. She considers the various contexts in which her clients are functioning and where challenges lie, whether situationally specific or generalized across contexts. In addition, she considers the multi-generational dynamics and their influences on her client's family, highlighting unresolved issues that may have been unconsciously transmitted through the generations. Many issues that manifest in relationships can be related back to role modeling witnessed - of how to be a spouse, a parent, or perhaps an adult chlid of an elderly parent, etc. which were witnessed growing up.
For more information you may contact us at:
TEL: 303.779.1699
EMAIL: sharona@drsharona.com |
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