We have questions about counseling and therapy!  One out of every 3 phone calls I receive are with questions about how therapy works and what it will be like to get started.  What are you curious about?  

If your questions aren't answered here, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I truly appreciate the curiosity! You have a right to know.

Parts (or Aspects) of a Person

There are many important parts to a person, so the answer can be complex.  Therapists generally consider aspects of a person to include thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.  (I include physiology in my clinical concept of "behaviors"-- how the body is behaving.)  Some counselors and therapists include social context as a key aspect-- a persons support system, community, and other social systems.  Each counselor/therapist will generally aim to influence a specific aspect  to help create change. Every part of you is important!

Approaches to Each Aspect

There are many acceptable approaches to influence change within each aspect of a person.  (There are also some not so accepted approaches, so it is important to seek a licensed clinician with a solid reputation.  More on this in a later post!)  Psychological theories tend to focus on a certain time in life-- the past, present, or future.  For example, psychodynamic therapists generally believe  problems in the present are rooted in experiences from the past, including unconscious reactions.  Cognitive therapists tend to focus on the present.  Many approaches can work!

What I Do
(Integrative Pychotherapy)

 You can imagine how many unique approaches to therapy are possible!  So what do we do when there are multiple important parts of a person and then many different ways to influence each part?  How can a therapist pick just one?  How could one approach work for everything and everyone?  GREAT QUESTIONS!  Since this is my blog, I will tell you what I do.

I believe in what is called Integrative Psychotherapy!  (Also considered Unified Theory)  Integrative Therapy is the integration of the most effective elements from different schools of thought in psychotherapy.  It is a unifying psychotherapy that responds appropriately to the person at the affective (feelings), behavioral (actions), cognitive (thinking), and physiological levels of functioning.  It also includes social, interpersonal, and spiritual dimensions of life.  Each integrative therapist is unique, and it is important we specify which theories and techniques we integrate and when we apply them.  It takes an experienced professional who has gained necessary skills to work with a wide range of people with a range of psychological issues from diverse backgrounds.  After many years of experience, training, and supervision, I have expertly integrate the most effective therapies, tailoring therapy to fit each unique individual.  For more on Kate Hermanson, LPC, NCC and Integrative Psychotherapy, please see Our Integrative Perspective page!

Eleven people are reading with you right now.  

*Among the 12 of you, there are at least 3 who have some major misconceptions about counseling services and/or "mental health issues."  Are you one of them?  If you aren't sure, maybe I can help.  I trust that few actually want to remain uninformed, so please continue to check in here for some  interesting stories, information, and thoughts to help set the record straight on mental health and counseling services.

Every individual grows and changes throughout life, and there is not one person without struggles and challenges from time to time.  Emotional health is a crucial part of our overall health and well-being.   There is not one human being who cannot benefit from an opportunity for personal growth emotional wellness that counseling and psychotherapy provides.  Through the sharing of information and resources, here you will find an opportunity  to gain insight and perhaps even set some goals for personal growth.

My name is Kate Hermanson, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the beautiful state of Colorado.  I consider it an honor and a privilege to share in the personal growth and healing of those who come to my office.  For more about me, you are welcome to see the "About" page and my "Integrative Perspective" page.  Thanks for coming!!!

*More on the statistics regarding mental health misconceptions and stigma here.