What is Jungian psychotherapy or analysis?
Jungian psychotherapy/analysis is a way of working with life issues
first developed by C. G. Jung. This approach stresses the importance
of working with the unconscious and views symptoms not just as problems
to be gotten rid of but as keys to understanding the process which will
lead to resolution, transformation and individuation. Life patterns,
relationships, dreams, body symptoms and synchronistic events are also
part of the raw material of the process. There is no definitive distinction
between psychotherapy and analysis but psychotherapy tends to be more
problem focused and time limited, whereas analysis is more open ended,
in-depth and inclusive. Sessions are typically once or twice a week
but may be as infrequent as biweekly or more depending on the needs
and process of the individual. See: Who was C.G.Jung?
How do I choose a psychologist, psychotherapist or
analyst?
Choosing a psychotherapist or analyst is an important life decision
and should be treated with the same seriousness as selecting a physician.
You will be sharing your most intimate and difficult problems, conflicts,
hopes and fantasies with this person. Getting a recommendation from
a trusted friend or family member who has worked with a therapist is
a good place to begin. Physicians and clergy may also be able to direct
you. Of course, you should make sure your therapist has the highest
level of education and training and is properly licensed or certified
in the state or jurisdiction in which they practice. Some states may
still allow the unlicensed practice of psychotherapy and some individuals
may provide counseling and psychotherapy under the rubric of another
profession. These individuals may offer excellent services or may have
little or no training or clinical experience — caveat emptor.
A therapist who has pursued advanced analytical training not only
has expertise beyond the basic requirements needed for licensure but
also has at least attempted to address their own psychological issues
through the personal training analyses required in such programs. Whereas
the public often believes (because it is an intuitively correct insight)
that all therapist have gone through there own therapy, it is surprising
how many practitioners today have never addressed their own shadow issues
in the very process they deem so valuable for others.
You should “interview” your potential therapists initially over the
telephone and your first session should be seen as one where the two
of you are making an assessment of whether you are “right” for each
other. Be wary of those who do not seem to have time for this process.
Ask your therapist questions you may have about their training, experience,
approach, and about other concerns you may around confidentiality, fees,
etc. Questions of a personal nature, such as “Are you married?” or “Do
you have children?” may not be directly answered by all therapists.
More important is the way in which they are not answered. A therapist
who shares considerable personal information is not likely to have as
much training/experience as one who seems to share too little.
Your session time should be yours and not be interrupted by your therapist
taking telephone calls or attending to other business. You should leave
your first session feeling you have been deeply heard and the therapist
has a good idea of your overall situation and your immediate concerns.
Ultimately, what is most important is your personal feeling and assessment
about your potential therapist/analyst.
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What is the difference between a counselor, a psychotherapist,
a psychologist, a psychiatrist and a psychoanalyst?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions about the mental
health profession along with, “Do you prescribe medications?” Some of
these categories do overlap which makes things even more confusing.
First of all, a counselor or psychotherapist could also belong to any
of the other categories because psychologists, psychiatrists and psychoanalysts
do at times act as counselors and psychotherapists. Usually, however,
a counselor or psychotherapist has training at a Master’s; level and
is most often licensed as a social worker, a mental health counselor
or a marriage and family therapist (some states also allow registered
nurse practitioners to practice psychotherapy). Psychologists have doctoral
degrees and provide diagnostic assessment and psychological testing
as well as psychotherapy and other forms of treatment. Psychiatrists
hold medical degrees (M.D or D.O.) and have completed a residency in
clinical psychiatry. Psychiatrists today are typically trained most
extensively in the view that emotional issues are caused by brain and
neurotransmitter dysfunction. Therefore they tend to specialize in medication
therapy but may also provide counseling and psychotherapy. Psychologists
in many states are working to attain prescription privileges. Psychoanalysts
are individuals from any of the above fields who have completed a rigorous
post professional training program, lasting some five to ten years,
in the theory of psychodynamics and the art and science of psychotherapy/analysis.
This training includes not only theoretical learning and case supervision
but a deep individual analysis, which follows the dictum “Dr. heal thyself.”
Counseling tends to connote the giving of “expert”advice or “counsel”
whereas psychotherapy connotes an attempt to address issues at a deeper
level through various approaches which stress the individual finding
their own answers. Thus, the psychotherapist’s and psychoanalyst’s goal
is to become unnecessary not indispensable.
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What about fees and insurance?
Dr. Overman’s fees are $150 for an initial 50 minute evaluation and
$135 for each 50 minute session thereafter. Fees for psychological testing
and evaluation or other services can be mutually arranged. Dr. Overman
will consider reduced fees for students and those with difficult circumstances.
If you have traditional indemnity insurance, Dr. Overman will provide
you with statements you may file with your insurance company.
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How do I set up an initial appointment?
Call Dr. Overman at (561) 251- 3490 or contact him at info@droverman.com
MAP TO DR. OVERMAN’S OFFICE
1326
SE Third Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316
Mailing address:
6624 Tiburon Circle, Boca Raton, Florida 33433
Map
to Tiburon Address
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