West Palm Beach, FL – The path from problem to solution isn’t always clear, but one thing is certain: lasting change begins with you. A therapist can only guide you toward the changes you need to make for yourself. If you’re not willing to commit to those new choices, you’ll remain stuck.
Dr. Susan Christiansen is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in individuals, couples and adolescents who struggle with the everyday occurrences of life. With a PhD is in social and behavioral science, Dr. Christiansen works as a co-collaborator with clients to explore alternative possibilities.
“What I do is a more positive alternative to medication,” says Dr. Christiansen. “Most people are experts of themselves. They have the strength and resources to find their own solutions. I focus on their personal strengths. Understanding what works can generate a sense of direction in someone's life and a new way to embrace relationships.”
It’s very easy to lose sight of what our strengths are, especially in today’s society where everyone is comparing themselves to everyone else. Clients need to feel they can trust and talk with somebody who is more objective. Dr. Christiansen employs a collaborative approach in her counseling sessions, focusing on her clients personal strengths as a means to engage their problems with purpose. Often what the client perceives to be a problem is merely a symptom of something larger.
“I don’t want to set up a hierarchy,” explains Dr. Christiansen. “The conversation is more of a discussion. It’s about helping them to understand why they are so focused on solving a particular problem in a particular way. Once I’ve helped them connect the dots for themselves, it’s like the smoke is cleared.”
According to Dr. Christiansen, psychologists and psychotherapists are typically preoccupied with ego, but the ego can be deceptive. Happiness begins with a process of purification, eliminating our acceptance of this deception and discovering the power in ourselves.
“Sometimes the writing is on the wall from the moment they walk in to my office,” says Dr. Christiansen. “But I can’t tell them what the problem is and how to solve it. I have to help them reach their own conclusions so they feel like they solved the problem.
Close-Up Talk Radio will feature Dr. Susan Christiansen in an interview with Jim Masters on June 26th at 12pm.
Listen to the show www.blogtalkradio.com/closeuptalkradio. If you have a question for our guest, call (347) 996-3389.
For more information on Dr. Susan Christiansen, visit http://www.drsusanchristiansen.com
