When Psychotherapy Doesn't Work: Why it Happens and What to do About it

September 3, 2013
Hosted by Lisa Ferentz

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Episode Description

In this hour we will explore the many reasons why psychotherapy might feel ineffective, leading people to terminate from the process prematurely or to seek out treatment somewhere else. We will look at the "cognitive and emotional" baggage that some clients bring in to the therapy process, which leads to preconceived notions and assumptions about the therapeutic relationship and the value of therapy itself. We will also explore the role that the therapist plays in rendering therapy ineffective, including getting triggered, imposing their own agenda, not having the appropriate skill set or not fully understanding the client's needs, wishes and feelings. We will discuss the importance of not framing therapy as a "failure" when it doesn't work out, but rather, listeners will learn to think about these experiences as opportunities to use their voice and proactively advocate to get their needs met.

Inspired Journeys: Overcoming Adversity and Thriving

Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Health and Wellness Channel

Our program will educate and inspire. Lisa will interview authors, clinicians, and everyday people who have experienced or witnessed adversity and all of its life changing consequences. We will explore the impact that sexual abuse, domestic violence, bullying, physical disabilities, panic, depression, self-destructive behaviors and addictions have on individuals, families and our society. At the same time, we will focus on how to overcome and transcend trauma through empathy, self-love, forgiveness, self-awareness and acts of kindness. Lisa will talk with guests who demonstrate the resiliency of the human spirit and have helped others achieve true healing. We will discuss the power of attachment, learning how to be in the moment, how to reclaim a sense of spirituality, hope and optimism. You will learn how to find meaning even in the most difficult traumatic experiences and will come to understand that survivors can thrive, pay it forward, and help others to heal as well.

Lisa Ferentz

Lisa is a Clinical Social Worker, educator, author, actress, wife and mother. She has been in private practice for 30 years, using a wide variety of expressive therapies to treat adolescent and adult survivors of trauma, abuse, and neglect. In 2009 Lisa was given the Social Worker of the Year Award by the Maryland Society for Clinical Social Work. She is the founder and President of the Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy Training and Education, providing continuing education workshops and Certificates in Trauma Treatment to mental health professionals. She has been an Adjunct Faculty member at several Maryland Universities. Lisa published articles on self-mutilation and eating disorders and is the author of the book Treating Self-Destructive Behaviors in Trauma Survivors, A Clinician’s Guide. She recently completed another book entitled, Letting Go of Self Destructive Behaviors, A Workbook of Hope and Healing. A recognized expert in the trauma field, she is a national and international presenter and keynote speaker. She provides ongoing consultation to practitioners and mental health agencies. In her free time, Lisa acts, directs, and choreographs in community theatre productions. Her compassionate approach to therapy, along with her belief that trauma can be transcended and survivors can truly thrive, makes her the perfect candidate to host Inspired Journeys, a program that educates and inspires, while celebrating the strength and resiliency of the human spirit.



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