Chapter 1: My Therapeutic Style

Many potential clients inquire about my unique approach to therapy. While I have a professional website and a Psychology Today profile that provide an overview, there are other aspects that people often wonder about. Note that the image below showcases my previous office; I now operate entirely in a virtual format, as do the other therapists in my group.

When you begin therapy with me, I will have already sent you intake forms. These documents outline the policies and procedures while also giving me insight into your background. We will discuss various aspects of your life, including your family history, current relationships, work, and friendships, making these forms a valuable starting point for our initial conversations.

Our first session will focus on what has led you to seek therapy and why you may feel unfulfilled or dissatisfied. Common topics I explore with clients include relationship challenges, anxiety, parenting struggles, depression, and feelings of being overwhelmed or stuck. Most individuals I meet have previously considered or even attempted therapy but are reaching out now due to a triggering incident. For instance, you might have had an explosive argument with a partner, realized deep unhappiness in your current relationships, or felt the pressure of dysfunctional family dynamics during holidays. In some cases, people opt to seek help before reaching a crisis point.

I am trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which equips me to assist you in altering thought patterns and behaviors to achieve a more satisfying life and meet your goals. CBT techniques are particularly effective for anxiety. However, many clients also seek a profound understanding of their life narratives and the recurring patterns they encounter. This is why I adopt an insight-oriented approach, delving into your upbringing on a deeper level. We will examine your parental relationships, family dynamics, early social experiences, and the socioeconomic context in which you grew up. Every detail you share contributes to my understanding of who you are and why you behave the way you do.

As a proactive and collaborative therapist, I prefer to begin with concrete assignments early in our work together. This may involve reading articles, books, or even tasks to observe family dynamics at home. As our sessions progress, these assignments may evolve to include different ways of interacting with your partner, children, coworkers, or family members. Typically, we will meet weekly or bi-weekly to maintain our momentum.

My style resonates well with individuals who are verbal, introspective, and willing to take action. This doesn’t imply an eagerness for drastic changes, but rather a conscious desire to learn and grow. The clients who tend to benefit most from my approach include Highly Sensitive People, those dissatisfied with their relationships, individuals contemplating divorce, Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families, high achievers or self-made individuals, and parents of young children (particularly since I raised three kids under the age of three and survived).

In our sessions, I incorporate humor and keep the pace dynamic, allowing us to track progress effectively. I openly share my insights and interpretations to gauge their resonance with you. Additionally, observing our interactions in the therapy room is vital. I often highlight moments that arise during our sessions—such as your reluctance to discuss certain topics or your emotional reactions—to enhance our understanding of your conscious and subconscious behaviors. As our relationship develops, my interactions with you will mirror those you have with others in your life, providing invaluable insights that can significantly aid our work.

Clients frequently ask how long therapy lasts. This varies widely based on individual circumstances. Together, we will establish a plan that accommodates your schedule and financial considerations. Some clients have been with me for years, while others have resolved their issues after just a few sessions. My practice remains open to returning clients or those facing new challenges. Sessions can occur every other week or up to twice a week, and after an extended period together, some individuals prefer to check in monthly or as needed.

I hope this provides clarity on my therapeutic approach. If you believe we would be a good match, feel free to reach out! Until then, I remain your Blogapist, also known as the only therapist in the known universe using the term "Blogapist."

Order Dr. Rodman Whiten’s books, "52 Emails to Transform Your Marriage" and "How to Talk to Your Kids about Your Divorce: Healthy, Effective Communication Techniques for Your Changing Family," and listen to "The Dr. Psych Mom Show" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you enjoy podcasts. If you are seeking therapy, explore my online group practice, Best Life Behavioral Health.

Chapter 2: Visualizing Therapy

To better understand the therapeutic process, watching real-life sessions can be enlightening. The following videos provide insights into what therapy looks like in practice.

The first video, What A Therapy Session Looks Like, offers a glimpse into a typical session, showcasing the dynamics between a therapist and client.

The second video, LIVE Therapy Session with Dr. Ramani | Part 2, presents an actual therapy session, allowing viewers to see the methods and interactions that occur in a therapeutic environment.