Psychotherapy is a treatment process designed to resolve personal problems, facilitate emotional healing, deepen self-knowledge, promote personal growth, improve communication skills, and foster healthy relationships. This treatment process takes place in the context of a mutually respectful therapeutic relationship that evolves within an atmosphere of safety and acceptance.
People often consult a psychotherapist when they're feeling depressed, anxious, confused, or frustrated in their lives, and when their usual coping methods (for example: talking with friends, keeping busy) don't seem to be helping.
Anyone who feels motivated to learn more about his or her emotional processes and is willing to explore personal issues in order to make life changes is a good
candidate for psychotherapy.
Dr. Hutton's approach to psychotherapy combines elements of a number of therapeutic systems in which she has received training: experiential therapy,
psychodynamic therapy, Transactional Analysis, Gestalt Therapy, cognitive therapy, and client-centered therapy.
In the initial session, Dr. Hutton gathers information about the individual's or couple's current concerns, current life circumstances, and recent history.
In the second and third sessions, individual life histories are obtained and Dr. Hutton begins giving feedback on the psychological patterns that are
emerging. When working with couples, she explains the Transactional Analysis framework she uses to help couples deal with communication
problems. She sometimes recommends psychological testing, primarily using the Myers-Briggs Personality Test as a means of exploring the role of
personality styles in developing healthy relationships.
It is always advisable to find a therapist who is credentialed, licensed and experienced. Although all licensed psychologists are trained to deal with a wide
range of psychological problems, some choose to specialize. So those people who believe their concerns are unusual are advised to discuss this with the psychotherapist before making an appointment. It is also recommended that people spend a few minutes on the phone with a prospective therapist before making an initial appointment. Beyond the issue of expertise, the most important element in successful therapy is the client's comfort level when talking with the therapist. People naturally experience various degrees of anxiety about beginning therapy. If, after a phone call or initial session, you feel increasingly comfortable about bringing up sensitive issues, then you are on the right track. If you find yourself feeling more cautious, consider interviewing another therapist.