Approach to Psychotherapy

I actively and empathically foster a collaborative alliance with clients. I provide focus and support as we work together to increase your self-awareness and identify very specific strategies to help you create a more meaningful and fulfilling life. As part of this process, I help you distinguish between those thoughts and feelings to embrace, and to those that may only inhibit you from living more authentically.

My overall approach is eclectic. Below are brief descriptions of theories, research and practice that contribute to this approach. I draw on those that complement each other and are a best fit for your specific concerns.

Positive Psychology

This approach helps clients to expand and build upon their strengths, all in an effort toward developing overall well-being. This includes focusing on fostering resilience, courage, and happiness, and wisdom.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

This form of therapy focuses on overcoming distortions of thinking that may promote unnecessary suffering. It emphasizes strengthening your rational mind over the influence of your emotional mind.

Mindfulness and Mindfulness Meditation

With this approach, you will increasingly develop awareness and sensitivity to recognizing thoughts, feeling, and sensations, without becoming overwhelmed by them. It helps you to empower your observing self as it relates to your experiencing self.

Compassion-Focused Therapy

In the past ten years research in neuroscience has recognized and supported the power of cultivating compassion and self-compassion for dealing with very challenging feelings and thoughts, in our relationships with others and with ourselves.

Neuroscience

Most of our thoughts and actions are influenced by the complexities of our brains. Bernard Golden stays up to date on the most recent findings in neuroscience that have helped to identify specific activities to engage in in order to foster many of the qualities associated with well-being.

Bibliotherapy

While one book does not hold the answers to all of our concerns, there are many books that can help you. For some clients, Bernard may suggest a book to read in order to complement your session.