Are you feeling lonely or like you do not belong, and
wondering if therapy can help you, o if
this is the right type of therapy for you?
This page is intended to help you clarify the answers to these and similar questions you might be asking right now.
It starts with a description of common experiences of people before coming to IBT;
it highlights some of the potential outcomes of IBT;
it describes my roles and duties as a therapist;
offers some tips on how clients can get the most out of IBT.
When you finish this page, you might like to view the Services page. There will find more information about what IBT is like, how it works, and how it can help you.
Read the following description and see if you identify with any of the experiences described.
You are a good person with a lot to offer. You are kind, fun, like to laugh, and know how to be a good friend, but inside you feel empty. You are different from the people around you. You do not belong. Yet what you want most is connection.
At social events, you find yourself standing off to the side, watching others talk, laugh, and connect while you go unnoticed. You wonder to yourself “what is wrong with me?” as you stand alone, longing to be included.
You want people to like you, so you hide parts of yourself, and let people take advantage of you. You know these people don’t care about you, but it’s better than being lonely. You wish for friendships where people value you but settle for people who treat you like sh*t because you don’t value yourself.
As time goes by, you are far from the life you wanted. You’ve sacrificed yourself to fit in, and yet you still feel alone. You no longer know who you are. You feel like you have no purpose and are destined for a meaningless, lonely life.
If you identify with any or all of this, I need you to know this does not have to be your destiny. The truth is that you belong, everywhere, right now, already. You just need to believe it. I am here to help you find that belonging within you.
Potential Outcomes
You can have a meaningful and fulfilling life of belonging where people appreciate and include you, and where you form connections with ease. Imagine being confident in yourself, and letting all parts of yourself shine for everyone to see. You can hold people accountable and not let them take advantage of you: Instead they treat you with the respect and admiration. Improve your relationships, increase control over your life, have better options, greater possibilities, more joy, love, happiness, and satisfaction.
I cannot promise these will be the outcome of your treatment, but I can promise they are possible. If you work at it, with my help, you can achieve these. It will not always be easy, nor will it always be fun, but I assure you that I will support you every step of the way. Whether it’s these, or other outcomes you desire, I will be by your side to support you whatever your treatment goals may be.
The Therapist’s Role
My role is to guide the therapeutic process. I'm here to support you in achieving your goals, by offering direction, feedback, psychoeducation, and new perspectives. I'll assist you in thoroughly thinking things through, bring clarity, make meaning, identify options, and create new experiences. At times, I may adopt a teaching role to help you acquire new skills, starting with more instruction and gradually shifting to a more observational stance. Throughout the process, I will adhere to ethical and legal standards to ensure your protection and safety. Ultimately, my goal is for you to get what you need out of therapy so that you don’t need to come back.
Get More Out of Therapy
Again, I cannot guarantee any outcomes, but here are some tips to get the most out of therapy. First and foremost, take responsibility for your treatment. Avoid blaming others, be accountable for your actions, recognize that you are in control of your life and that your effort determines your success. Stay open to different perspectives, tryi new things, and be willing to get uncomfortable. Be open to learn, find all feedback helpful, commit to honesty and direct communication. Trust that my actions are to help you to achieve your best. I encourage you to challenge me, ask questions, and correct me when I am wrong. Tell me if you are dissatisfied with treatment or something I am doing. Last, maintain a sense of humor, laugh often, and find ways to make the process enjoyable and fun.
Whether you are still unsure if this is the right option for you, or 100% certain IBT is the one, let’s meet to talk about. Set up your free consultation with me by clicking the button below.
