Steve Gross, Psy.D.
People come to treatment
for a variety of reasons:
- They get feedback from others
that they aren't seeing themselves clearly;
- They are skeptical and/or hopeful about the
possibility of change;
- They need a neutral outsider without an agenda or a stake in the outcome;
- They want a place of openness and warmth they are missing from other areas of their lives;
- They struggle with depression, anxiety, addiction (both to substances and behaviors), mourning
and loss, trauma, and personality issues.
Within
a solid working relationship, we will probe two interconnected forces: acceptance and change. Acceptance involves recognizing
with depth and without judgment what exists in our thoughts, feelings, and relationships. For many clients, this recognition
is the gateway to change and growth. In terms of change, we do as much to remove barriers to your natural unfolding
in positive directions as we do to identify and change maladaptive patterns. The result of successful treatment is a
greater connection to the possibilities that life has to offer, movement towards desired goals, and an increased sense of
control over the course of one's life.
Modes of Treatment
Individual therapy most often involves weekly meetings of 50 minutes in length during which the client explores what's
on her/his mind. Some clients wish to progress more rapidly and decide to meet more frequently or for a longer time
period. The length of treatment varies; as a general rule, the longer the problem or pattern has been in existence,
the longer it will take to bring about real and lasting change.
Couples therapy focuses on behavior and communication patterns within the relationship. Some couples come to
treatment as a preparation to embark on a path to greater commitment in the relationship. Other couples come to treatment
so that secrets or hidden feelings can be exposed and worked through. Others come to learn how the values they hold
as individuals can suffuse their partnership. Still others come to navigate a separation. Treatment usually involves
weekly sessions.
Group therapy is an effective means to
learn others' impressions of you, find out how you impact others, and develop insight and skills in relating and intimacy.
Many family-of-origin issues can also be worked through in group treatment. In addition to challenging behaviors, groups
provide a great deal of support. Currently, I offer a group for gay men and a group for artists that focuses on career
and artistic development. A general psychotherapy group for adults is in the works.
Fees
In terms of fee, I work on a sliding scale basis that depends on your
resources. Please contact me to discuss this further. I do not participate in any insurance panels; however, as
a licensed practitioner, my services are reimbursable, depending on your insurance plan's rules about third-party providers.
If we are unable to work together for any reason, I am
happy to refer you to providers whose work I know and trust.
