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Psychotherapy or Counseling Approach

I take an individualized and holistic approach integrating emotional, mental, physical and spiritual aspects into the treatment process. I help clients focus on their core values, strengths and resources, while problem solving, developing goals, and a concrete plan of action. My goal, as a psychotherapist, is to help each of my clients lead a fulfilled life… a life with purpose and meaning.

If you have not had a physical exam in the past year, I highly encourage you to make an appointment with your primary care physician. Most insurance companies cover preventive care and a yearly exam with labs would fall under this category.  Why do I suggest this? There are several medical conditions that can mimic or exacerbate symptoms of depression. These include untreated diabetes and hypothyroidism. If you wish, I can help you coordinate care with your physician and/or psychiatrist.

There are many different theoretical approaches to therapy. I integrate a combination of therapies: Brief Solution Focused, CBT (Cognitive Behavior), Mindfulness, Existential and Psychodynamic (Insight Oriented) Therapies. Below is a short description of each psychotherapeutic approach type of therapy.

Solution Focused Brief Therapy:  focuses on each client envisioning his/her preferred present and future, then identifying and developing concrete goals based on individual strengths, resources and values to empower she/he to reach desired goals for a better life. This is a time limited therapy, generally up to eight sessions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: focuses on the concept that our thoughts result in our feelings and behaviors. By managing our thought patterns, we can change the way we think to feel better, even if the situation we are in does not change.  This is particularly helpful for clients challenged with depression, anxiety, and loss.

Therapeutic Mindfulness: focuses on becoming aware of what you are thinking and feeling moment by moment, learning to accept this, but not to react to it. This therapy technique has been found to be helpful for individuals with a history of depression due to automatic cognitive processes that can trigger the relapse. It relies on training to be mindful of the moment and our surroundings.

Existential Therapy: focuses on client responsibility and freedom. The major goal is to increase one’s self awareness and self acceptance of our core values and beliefs. This results in having a more authentic and meaningful life and is especially beneficial for individuals who have suffered loss- whether through loss of relationships, illness, aging, or own imminent death.

Brief Psychodynamic Therapy: focuses on gaining insight and self awareness by exploring how our past experiences affect our present behaviors. It enables one to examine how unresolved conflicts from past dysfunctional relationships may be interfering with development of healthy relationships.

Contact Information

Nancy Duffey Black, MS, LICSW
Duffey Black Consulting, LLC
Specializing in Critical Incident Response Services
Madison Lake, MN 56063
(763) 443-3348 (P)
Nan@DuffeyBlack.com

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Copyright 2020 Nancy D. Black, LICSW, CEAP, SAP, LLC
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Last updated: Sunday February 09, 2014