How I Practice Therapy

                                                                                            By Christie Sobczak

Therapy with Children, Adolescents, and Families

For the past 9 years, my practice has largely focused on treating children, adolescents and their families. 

 A parent usually has many feelings about bringing their child to a therapist.  At times, it is not until things have become out of control, that a parent is able to take the first step.  By this time, both the child and the parents may feel hopeless and helpless.  It is often during the first session that families begin to feel a sense of relief and a sense of hope for a better future. 

 Through my work with children, adolescents and their families, I have seen many unique individuals with multiple challenges develop in ways that most thought were not possible.  I am always amazed at a young person’s ability to work through their issues when provided a safe place to express their thoughts, feelings, fears, and dreams.  I believe that if children are given the tools they need to explore their problems, their world and themselves, they can overcome many of the obstacles they face. 

 I use a combination of direct and non-direct therapeutic techniques with children and adolescents such as: play therapy, sand tray play, scrapbooks, doll house play, self-written books, therapeutic games, art therapy, painting, and journaling. 

  In addition to individual therapy with children and adolescents, I provide family therapy.  At times, family therapy can be more helpful than working individually with the child or adolescent.  The goal of family therapy is to facilitate positive change in the way the family functions that leads to a decrease in symptoms and behavioral problems and improved family relationships and interactions. 

 Family relationships whether positive or negative affect us profoundly.  They can cause us great joy and great pain.  I have great respect for all family members and focus on getting to know each individual in the family and how they add their own uniqueness to the family.

Therapy with Adults and Couples

Often individuals and couples seek therapy after multiple attempts have been made, without success, to resolve their problems.  I believe that therapy is about empowering individuals and couples to resolve their unique issues using their innate gifts and skills.  Therapy is the mechanism in which these skills are identified and solutions are worked through. 

 Several factors are important in order for therapy to succeed.  These factors include: the therapist’s level of skill, education, and training along with the individual or couple’s level of motivation and ability to dedicate time and energy to the therapy process.

 While the therapy process is guided by the therapist’s knowledge, training and experience, I believe it is the unique relationship between the therapist and the client that is of utmost importance.  Trust and safety are two important components of the therapy relationship.  The therapeutic relationship must be a safe place in which growth, genuine sharing of one’s self and positive change can occur.

   I believe that we all face challenges in our journey through life - some small and some large.  It is through the process of facing these challenges that we learn about ourselves, our relationships, and our perceptions of the world.  This information allows us to make conscious choices regarding how we live our life and how we shape our relationships with others.  Therapy is one tool whereby this can be accomplished.