Shamshad Haider

LPC

Mental problems have often been diagnosed and treated in isolation and without understanding the role of trauma and other developmental factors (such as parental attitudes, peer relationships, learning experiences, and biological predispositions. In the light of extensive research, impact of these factors has become more clear and the reversible course of trauma has been studied in greater depth. For me as a therapist, keeping abreast of these advances is vital and guides me to help my clients.

People are often looking for answers, solutions and plans. All of these are available within the client. Trauma, Depression, Anxiety or Grief overwhelm our ability to focus, plan, evaluate and take action. Therapy helps think better and plan better. If we can get past these obstacles, we can focus our energies on our life goals.

I have experienced the effects of 'conditions of worth' in my life. These are conditions others placed on me and demanded me to be something I was not ('ideal self'). With time and with my own research, I discovered that a person should be accepted and allowed to actualize one's 'real self' or what one is 'cut out to be'. When our family or others impose certain conditions of worth, we experience emotional distress or problems in social or occupational functioning. Thus, a primary goal of therapy is to facilitate self-actualization in order to achieve well-being.