Overview of psychotherapy with Leland Shields. Does therapy work?

Overview

What would our work together look like?
My background and training
What does it cost?
Can therapy really help?
How does someone choose a therapist?

What Would our Work Together Look Like?

I don’t have a pat answer to that question because you are unique. But you and I would collaborate to find the best response to whatever leads you to seek counseling. I often use curiosity-led exploration and dream work. I may also offer you specific exercises to help overcome harmful “habits” in your thinking or emotions.

For more about how we might work together, click here for the My Influences page.

I see most clients once per week for a 50-minute session, though some clients I see less frequently and some, more often.

My Background and Training

I hold a master’s degree in clinical psychology, and I have had a private psychotherapy practice in Seattle since 2001. I am a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Washington (LH 00010200).

In addition, my previous experience has given me a rich background of work with people in different settings. I was a consulting mechanical engineer with a master of science degree. As a project manager in the field of failure analysis, management and group dynamics were central to my work. I also co-founded and worked for years with a soup kitchen that served the mentally ill.

What Does it Cost?

My regular rate is $125.00 for a 50-minute session. When possible I make arrangements to accommodate the needs of clients who need assistance with the fee. Please call to discuss if you think this might be necessary for you.

Can Therapy Really Help?

Research has shown conclusively that psychotherapy helps individuals with a variety of issues that lead them to seek help. Not everyone feels better, though. Sometimes help comes in the form of processing, accepting things that can’t be changed, or support in opening to directions you hadn’t believed were possible.

How Does Someone Choose a Therapist?

What you want is a good fit for your style—a therapist with whom you can feel safe in being honest, even when it’s difficult. Start by talking to a prospective therapist on the phone: See how it feels and whether his or her approach fits for you. If it seems promising, make an appointment, and meet to check it out. If you’re still not sure, meet with another therapist.

But consider this, too: If you tend to leave relationships when things get difficult, if you have trouble committing, or if you have a hard time sticking with things that take effort and persistence, then you may want to work with a therapist without waiting for it to feel “just right,” and stay a little longer than you might otherwise. But by all means, talk to your therapist all along about what works and doesn’t, what fits and doesn’t.

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