Therapy Approach
Mental health therapists use a variety of approaches to give people the tools they need to deal with problems.  Marilyn works closely with her clients to determine the most effective treatment plan.  This may entail one method of treatment or include elements from a variety of methods, called an “eclectic” approach.

Sometimes only one therapy session may be necessary; however, if the individual has been experiencing problems for a long period, then the treatment process may take numerous sessions.  In general, most therapy requires a minimum of 2-3 months, or a total of approximately 10-12 sessions. Recommendations are made based on each client’s individual circumstances. Marilyn may employ therapies such as: *Behavioral *Cognitive *Interpersonal *Solution-focused *Client-centered, and *Play therapy.

Questions about Therapy Sessions
During the first meeting, Marilyn will ask an individual to discuss her or his background, therapeutic concerns, and goals.  She will collaborate with the client to establish a treatment plan specific to the individual’s needs.  In most situations, appointments will be scheduled on a weekly basis. 

During each session, client progress will be evaluated and the treatment plan will be altered, if necessary.  As the client progresses through therapy, the client will begin to:
*Become more capable of handling problems
*Develop better insight regarding patterns of behavior
*Employ more effective coping skills, and
*Attain treatment goals. 

With couples, therapy helps clients improve their understanding of how they respond to one another. Methods will be used to identify distorted thinking and correct patterns of troublesome or self-defeating behavior.  Effective couples’ work involves both individuals taking responsibility for problems in the relationship.  Couples therapy can resolve patterns of undesirable behavior and promote adaptive conflict resolution skills.  Some of the problems addressed in therapy include:
*Power struggles
*Arguments,
*Ineffective communication skills, and
*Chronic dissatisfaction in the relationship.   

In reference to working with children, therapy occurs in a somewhat different manner.   Marilyn will meet with only the parents in the first session in order that the parents may express their concerns about their child.  During this meeting, Marilyn will discuss the play therapy process and specific methods designed to engage children in play.  Marilyn will explain how play therapy differs from other therapeutic techniques.   For example, talking is the adult’s natural way of communicating and play is the child’s natural way of communicating.  During the play therapy sessions, “toys” will be used like words and “play” will be the child’s language.  Play allows the child to give expression to her or his experiences and emotions.  The most important factor to a child’s success in “play therapy” is the parents’ commitment to the therapy process and consistency in bringing the child to sessions.