What Is Therapy?
Therapy (psychotherapy) can help reduce the pain and suffering you may be feeling in your life. It can also add meaning and richness. Therapy involves talking with a trained professional about conditions in your life such as depression and anxiety, relationship conflicts or career frustrations. Therapy can help you resolve problems, set goals, and even clarify your dreams for the future.
Therapists act as a confidential and careful listener. Most people enjoy therapy as they learn about themselves and become more conscious of their inner world and their relationships.
Why DBT?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches clients to accept the reality of their lives while also learning to change dysfunctional behaviors and thought patterns.
The therapy typically includes one hour-long individual session a week, plus one weekly group session. In therapy, DBT clients come to realize they have only two choices: change or stay miserable. DBT offers the skills to help clients become effective at managing their emotions, change their thoughts, improve coping skills and improve communication and relationship skills.
Patients are often asked to explain why they need to change their behavior, rather than making it solely the therapist's responsibility. The DBT process is collaborative, driven by the patient as well as the therapist, and often starting with working on life-interfering behaviors. Once those are no longer an issue, we can begin working on quality of life interfering behaviors, which can help you get the life you truly desire.
How I Work
I provide individual psychotherapy for adolescents and adults in a warm, caring, nonjudgmental and confidential environment. During your individual sessions we will sit and talk in a structured way. I will be someone who supports you, listens attentively, models a healthy and positive relationship experience, and gives you appropriate feedback. I may incorporate Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and/or Solution-Focused Therapy into these sessions.
How Do We Get Started?
The first step in getting started in individual therapy is to call (or fill in a "contact us" form) and schedule an intake interview. If I can't get to your call or e-mail right away, please leave me a message as to when and where I can call you back.
During that initial phone call, I will get information about your current problems and symptoms, information on your life up until now, the goals you have and how I propose helping you feel better and meeting your goals. I'll answer any questions you have during this time.
Who Do You Work With?
I treat adults and adolescents using Cognitive Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and other modalities as needed for the following behaviors/problems:
- Depression and Anxiety Disorders
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- Self-Injurious Behaviors
- Relationships Problems
- Impulsivity Problems
For DBT Therapy in the Austin area, you can call for a free phone assessment to get started.
Candace C. Smith, LCSW
6010 Balcones Drive
Austin, TX 78731
Phone: (512) 680-0425
