Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is not easily described in general statements.  It varies depending upon the personalities of the psychologist and client, and the particular problems you bring forward.  There are many different methods that Dr. Greenberg may use to help you cope with and resolve the difficulties you wish to address.  Therapy calls for a very active effort on your part.  In order for therapy to be most successful, you will need to work on things you talk about both during your sessions and at home.  The ultimate goal of therapy is to help you relieve distress, gain insight, learn and utilize healthy coping skills, and ultimately become your own therapist.

Risks and Benefits of Therapy 

Psychotherapy can have benefits and risks.  Risks may include experiencing uncomfortable levels of sadness, anxiety, anger, or frustration.  People often report feeling worse before feeling better.  However, these reports are a normal part of the therapeutic process when people are making important changes in their lives.  While you consider the risks, you should also understand the benefits of therapy.  Therapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reduction in feelings of distress.  In therapy, you have the opportunity to voice your feelings, gain insight into factors that may contribute to and maintain a problem, learn, as well as practice, techniques that may help you to improve coping skills or to resolve problems altogether.  However, there can be no guarantees of what you will experience. 

In the first few sessions, you and Dr. Greenberg will work as a team to gather as much information as possible regarding the problem(s) you wish to resolve.  The “best course of action” will be discussed and she will offer you some first impressions of what your work will include.  You will most likely be asked to evaluate the information provided to you, along with your own opinions, as well as your comfort level in working with Dr. Greenberg. Therapy involves a large commitment of time, energy and money, so it is wise to put a lot of consideration into the psychologist you select.  If you have any questions or concerns, voice them to Dr. Greenberg as they arise and work together to resolve them.  If you decide you are not a good “therapist/client match,” ask for referrals to other mental health professionals.

Treatment with Minors

Treatment with minors is a complicated situation.  When treating children or adolescents, Dr. Greenberg prefers to maintain their confidentiality as much as she can to keep their trust and protect the therapeutic relationship.  However, Dr. Greenberg does realize that you are the parent or guardian and may have a legal right to this information.  Before beginning treatment, you and Dr. Greenberg will work together to come to an agreement.  It is also important to understand that when working with families, she will not keep “secrets.”

Appointments

You will typically meet for a 50-minute session once or twice a week, then less frequently.  Once an appointment has been set up, Dr. Greenberg will most likely prefer to keep it consistent, meaning, on the same day and at the same time.  An appointment is a commitment to work.  If Dr. Greenberg is unable to start on time, she will ask for your understanding and assure you that you will receive the full 50 minutes.  If you are late, she may not be able to meet for the full time, as it is likely that she will have another appointment after yours.  If you need to cancel an appointment, please give Dr. Greenberg at least 24 hours notice.  Be mindful that cancelled appointments may delay your work together. 

Dr. Greenberg is available between the hours of 11:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. Monday through Thursday and can be reached at 972-664-0023.  If you have a clinical emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is vital to treatment progress.  Dr. Greenberg takes great care with all information you share.  It is your legal right that your sessions and records be kept private.  On occasion, Dr. Greenberg will ask you to sign a release of information form so that she may talk with another professional or someone else involved in your care.  In all but a few rare situations, your confidentiality is protected by state law and by the rules of the psychology profession.  Here are several situations in which confidentiality is not protected:

1)     If you are a victim of child abuse, Dr. Greenberg is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities.

2)     If you are a victim or perpetrator of elder or dependent adult abuse, Dr. Greenberg is required by law to report this to Adult Protective Services or other appropriate authorities.

3)     If you threaten harm to yourself or someone else, Dr. Greenberg may be required to notify the police or take other reasonable steps to prevent the threatened harm.

4)     If psychological treatment or testing is ordered by the court, Dr. Greenberg may have to testify or release your records.

Complaints

Dr. Greenberg intends to fully abide by all the rules of the American Psychological Association and Texas Board of Examiners of Psychologists.  As with any other relationship, problems can arise.  If you are not satisfied with any area of our work, please raise your concern with Dr. Greenberg at once.  She will make every effort to hear, address, and resolve your concerns.  It is her hope that for a resolution.  However, you have the right to contact the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists at any time.  The address and telephone number is as follows: 333 Guadalupe, Suite 2-450, Austin, Texas  78701, 512-305-7709.

HOME