Psychotherapy
Schizophrenia:
Our approach to treating schizophrenia will strongly emphasize family sessions. Here's the general structure of our process:
In the initial session, we will conduct an interview to assess the client's current level of functioning. During the second phase, Dr. Hermes will administer psychological assessment batteries to evaluate the client's positive and negative symptoms and to identify primary areas of difficulty. Based on these assessments, we will collaboratively develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Our methodology aligns closely with the psychosocial model, placing significant importance on family therapy. Schizophrenia is understood as a systemic disorder, meaning that effective treatment requires active participation and support not only from the client but also from family members.
Personality Disorders:
For personality disorder treatment, the client will first participate in an initial interview session. Following this, Dr. Hermes will administer psychological assessments including the MMPI-3, MCMI, and RHETI (an Enneagram test) to establish a foundational psychological profile and identify significant areas of difficulty. Based on these findings, we will integrate techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and a humanistic/transpersonal approach.
*Please note that clients may sometimes experience discomfort or resistance to certain therapeutic methods, such as Gestalt therapy, as these techniques can temporarily increase emotional tension and lead to challenging sessions.
Geriatric Care:
We are currently in the process of obtaining panel participation with Medicare and Medicaid. For older adults, our therapeutic approach emphasizes humanistic and transpersonal methodologies designed to instill hope and foster resilience. Additionally, we offer hospice consultations when appropriate. Our primary goal is to support clients in managing their health, particularly addressing lived experiences related to chronic illnesses and physical challenges through an empowering and strength-based perspective.
Trauma Healing:
Our therapeutic approach emphasizes experiential methodologies, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic therapies, and compassion-based therapy. In contrast to methods like EMDR, which primarily focus on symptom reduction and enhancing overall functioning, our focus is on trauma processing. We aim to explore and understand the meanings behind traumatic experiences, transforming them into valuable lessons that foster empowerment and personal growth.
Family Therapy:
In contrast to traditional family therapy methods (such as Bowen, Haley, or Minuchin), our approach utilizes Gestalt therapy. This method specifically addresses boundary issues by openly discussing the discomfort associated with setting and maintaining personal boundaries within family dynamics. We explore how it feels when family members disregard these boundaries and aim to empower each individual family member to manage boundary disturbances effectively, without engaging in hierarchical power struggles.
Mood Disorder:
This is an essential area of knowledge for all mental health clinicians. In addition to traditional methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), we also incorporate psychodrama into our therapeutic approach. We perceive conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder not merely as challenges but as opportunities for personal growth and development. By illuminating these symptoms, we aim to utilize them as catalysts that guide clients toward discovering and fulfilling their true life purpose.
* To book a session or need a 15-min free consultation, please click the button and fill out the intake form. Thank you!