MY APPROACH TO DOING THERAPY
My approach to psychotherapy is a blend of techniques and theoretical orientations. I’ve discovered that one therapeutic approach does not fit everyone. For instance, when individuals tend to intellectualize about their problems and appear to be unaware of their feelings, I may focus on helping them identify, experience, and appropriately express emotions. Anxiety and depression are often attributable to feelings that lie outside of people’s awareness.
Alternatively, some clients are overwhelmed by emotions and have trouble controlling their expression. I help them find ways to calm or diffuse their feelings and to understand what causes them. These goals favor a cognitive-behavioral approach where I assist individuals in gaining insight into beliefs or past experiences that intensify their feelings, and teach them self-management techniques so they can express them effectively.
Some presenting problems are not acute, but still warrant psychotherapy. People may be struggling with an adjustment to a loss, transitioning into new life circumstances, or undergoing a mid-life crisis. These issues might warrant integrating an existential approach to therapy, one that focuses on finding one’s own sense of meaning, purpose, and direction in life.
While I don’t prescribe medication, I recommend a psychiatric consult if I detect that chemical support can ease a client’s symptoms. It’s my responsibility to explain how it can be helpful, but using medication is always the client’s choice.
In addition to different therapeutic approaches, I employ a variety of techniques into the process. One is hypnosis. IF welcomed by a client, hypnosis can reduce stress, enhance sleep, manage pain, diminish unwanted behaviors, or reveal unconscious thoughts or feelings that contribute to one’s symptoms. I am trained in a Jungian approach to interpreting dreams and working with any art or music someone may wish to share. And for those who are receptive to independently working between sessions, I encourage keeping a journal, meditating, exercising, and using my guided relaxation techniques.
Finally, like any therapist, my style reflects my personality. I strive to be compassionate, empathic, and someone who listens between the lines. I am an extrovert and known to be verbally interactive. I’m comfortable being transparent if I believe it will assist the client’s learning. I can be direct, but when something needs to be said, I seek a tactful and caring way to express it. I do not sit in judgment of my clients, and attempt to minimize the discomfort they may feel when engaging in such an intimate process. My ultimate goal is to create a safe holding space where self-understanding and acceptance can lead to change, healing, and growth.
INSURANCE PANELS WITH WHOM I PARTICIPATE
While my billing service will file claims with all insurance companies, I ONLY PARTICIPATE ON PANELS with Optima. Other companies may pay some part of my fee, but the balance will befall you. Be sure to examine the amount of your deductible, co-pay, and the percentage your insurance company will cover for clinical psychologists.
HOURS OF AVAILABILITY
If you’ve read my bio, my approach to therapy, my financial conditions, and noted the insurance panels to which I belong, feel free to call or email me about scheduling an initial appointment. I have limited availability and only offer hours on Tuesday through Thursday, between 9:00 AM, and 6:00 PM. Please DO NOT leave any confidential information on the email other than your interest in scheduling a session and when you would be able to come in. You can leave a confidential phone message. I am the only one who listens to those.
CONTACT
Phone: 434-989-7098
Email: FrankPasciuti@hotmail.com