Michelle L Mcnealy

LMHC

Therapy goals with my clients are ALWAYS determined each client's needs and problems. First the client will identify the problems that are affecting their daily living with me. Then with my client we develop objectives/ or coping skills that will assist them in reaching their overall outcomes/goals, whether to increase or decrease a particular problems within their lives.. This process will always include psycho-education about their diagnosis/or issues and the symptoms they are experiencing. Also there may be Some form of homework assignments between session to keep the client engaged in the process. There will also be some form of review along the process for the client to determine their progress and determine if there should be a need for an alteration to the the treatment plan. Finally if the client and myself feel that their goals are met then preparation for discharged will be made, in the form of referrals to any additional follow-up resources in the community they may need.

For my part one reoccurring theme while engaging with individuals recovering from traumatic events in their live is first and far most the ability to trust the therapist to relieve that event. However by building that rapport and providing a safe space for the client has been very successful in dealing with this issue. Also ensuring to the client that the way they feel may not just be mental but also physically deficiencies in the body, introducing the images that trauma has on the brain compared to someone that has never experienced trauma. For the most part in my experience meeting the client where they are with no unrealistic expectation has been my best approach.

The one movie that had the most influence my approach to therapy is, "A Beautiful Mind" staring Russell Crowe. This movie in my opinion, introduced the idea of a more individualized approach to therapy. To me it sums up the idea that although the criteria and symptoms may be similar in a particular diagnosis, each person has the ability to reach their highest potential while managing those symptoms and possibly find some form of humor in the process.