In pop culture, psychotherapy has often been seen as talk therapy, where a person is sitting or lying on a couch, endlessly talking about their mother while the therapist nods and scribbles in a notepad, and where mental illness is thought to only reside in the mind. But we now understand that not all mental health concerns are illnesses, nor do they just reside “in your mind.” We’ve come to realize that “mental health” is a misnomer and is actually connected to a whole system—physical, emotional, behavioral, and more.

Nowadays, therapy goes beyond talking; it incorporates a wide range of techniques that address the whole person and can be tailored to different needs and preferences. For a comprehensive list of these techniques, see the link below.

Yes, therapy can be highly effective in addressing specific issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. My approach is tailored to each client’s unique challenges and goals. For example, we might use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help reframe negative thought patterns in anxiety and depression, or somatic techniques to address trauma stored in the body. Therapy provides a space to explore and understand these issues, develop coping strategies, and work towards healing. It’s about not just managing symptoms, but also finding ways to improve your overall quality of life.

Getting started is simple. You can book a free 15min consultation by clicking the "book now" at the link above or --> https://andrew-goldberg.clientsecure.me/request/service

During the consult we can determine if my therapy approach aligns with your needs and if we both agree it could be helpful for you. From there, we’ll schedule your initial sessions and begin the process of developing your customized treatment plan.

You decided to begin therapy. Over the first 1–3 sessions, we’ll clarify your reasons for seeking help and pinpoint what you’d like to achieve. This process involves discussing your concerns, exploring your background, and crafting a treatment plan that fits your situation. Laying this groundwork is key to a productive therapy experience.

In many cases, it takes about 3–6 sessions to decide whether the therapy approach and therapist are a good fit. For at least the first month, you can expect to meet once a week. As therapy progresses, we can adjust session frequency and focus in line with your goals and progress.

It’s perfectly okay to have doubts or questions about starting therapy. The initial consultation is a great opportunity to explore these concerns. If we determine that therapy with me isn’t the best fit for your needs, I can recommend other resources or professionals who may be better suited to help you.

Progress is measured through regular check-ins and evaluations of your treatment plan. Together, we will review how you’re feeling, assess any changes or improvements, and determine if any adjustments need to be made to your approach. This ensures that therapy remains focused on your goals and adapts to your evolving needs.

The duration of therapy varies depending on your individual goals and the nature of the challenges you’re facing. Some people find that a few sessions of therapy is sufficient, while others may benefit from longer-term support. We will regularly review your progress and discuss the appropriate length of treatment as we move forward.

At its core, therapy is about clarifying and pursuing your personal goals. A practical way to measure whether it’s working is to observe how you’re moving toward those objectives. Over time, you may notice that you handle challenges with more confidence, experience fewer or less intense symptoms, or apply healthier coping strategies. By regularly reviewing your goals with your therapist and discussing what is—and isn’t—helping, you keep your work focused and meaningful. Progress can unfold gradually, so it’s entirely normal to raise concerns or questions whenever they come up.

Feeling uncomfortable during therapy is not uncommon, especially when discussing difficult topics or exploring deep emotions. If you ever feel uneasy or uncertain, it’s important to share those feelings with me. Therapy should be a safe and supportive space, and it’s my job to ensure that you feel comfortable and understood. I’m here to help you navigate these moments, and we can make adjustments to the approach or pace of therapy to better suit your needs.

If you don’t feel comfortable discussing your concerns with me directly, you can also contact the Ohio or California Board of Psychology:

• Ohio Board of Psychology

• Phone: (614) 466-8808

• Website: psychology.ohio.gov

• Email: contact@psychology.ohio.gov

• California Board of Psychology

• Phone: (916) 574-7720

• Website: psychology.ca.gov

• Email: bopmail@dca.ca.gov

These boards can provide further guidance and support if you have concerns about your therapy experience.

As you become more familiar with these practices, you’ll find that you gain greater control over what affects you and how you choose to respond. Just like a skilled therapist, you’ll start to instinctively know the best way to handle various challenges. For instance, when stress creeps in, sometimes the wisest choice might be to seek support, like talking to a therapist. Other times, it might be taking a well-deserved day off to unwind in your favorite pajamas at home. The right response often depends on the situation at hand. By applying the skills you learn in therapy, you’ll develop a heightened sense of awareness. Below, you’ll find some key insights that can help you navigate the mental, social, and emotional challenges in your life.

Here are some examples:

• Self-awareness: Understanding your unique experience as a human being begins with self-awareness. This involves examining your beliefs, values, motivations, and emotions, as well as recognizing your strengths and weaknesses. Self-awareness helps you gain clarity about who you are and why you think and behave the way you do.

• Emotional intelligence: Developing emotional intelligence is crucial for understanding and managing your emotions and their impact on your life and relationships. It involves recognizing and regulating your own emotions, as well as empathizing with the emotions of others.

• Self-reflection: Regular self-reflection involves taking the time to think about your experiences, decisions, and actions. It helps you gain insight into your thought patterns and behaviors and enables you to make conscious choices that align with your values and goals.

• Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment and nonjudgmentally observing your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. This can lead to a deeper understanding of your internal world and how it relates to your external experiences.

• Empathy: Developing empathy involves the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. By empathizing with different perspectives and experiences, you can enhance your relationships and gain a broader understanding of the human condition.

• Authenticity: Embrace your authentic self by being true to your values, beliefs, and emotions. Avoid the pressure to conform to societal expectations or the expectations of others, as this can lead to a more genuine and fulfilling experience of being human.

• ​​Learning and growth: Embracing a growth mindset means seeing challenges and setbacks as opportunities for learning and development. Continuously seeking new knowledge and experiences can expand your understanding of yourself and the world around you.

• Cultivating a healthy relationship with yourself: This includes self-acceptance, self-compassion, and self-care. Treat yourself with the same kindness and consideration you would offer to a friend, and understand that your unique experiences and imperfections are part of what makes you human.

• Seeking support and guidance: Sometimes, improving your understanding of your unique human experience may require seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist. They can provide insight and guidance to help you navigate challenges and personal growth.

• Values and purpose: Reflect on your core values and what gives your life meaning and purpose. Aligning your actions with your values can provide a sense of fulfillment and a deeper connection to your unique human experience.