What You May Expect in Our Therapy Work Together (Mavis')

Clients come into therapy with complex life stories of joy and anguish, dreams and hopes, passions and vulnerabilities, unique gifts and abilities.  Your therapy with me will be conducted in an atmosphere of caring, respect and commitment in which new ways of approaching life are learned.  Our work will be a joint effort; your input is valued and will be used in the treatment plan and in weekly homework assignments.  I will be investing a great deal of care and effort into our work together, and I expect you to do the same.  I will be checking with you in an ongoing way about what is working well for you in our relationship, and what needs to be changed.

The type of therapy that I will be doing is called Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP).  It is a therapy developed at the University of Washington that is behaviorally based, but has the theoretical foundation to incorporate methods from other therapeutic modalities when appropriate.  FAP emphasizes that the bond that will be formed between you and me will be a major vehicle in your healing and transformation. 

The most fulfilled people are in touch with themselves and are able to be interpersonally effective.  They are able to speak and act compassionately on their truths and gifts, and are able to fully give and receive love.  FAP will focus on bringing forth your best self.  In order to do that, you must first be in touch with yourself at a core level (e.g., needs, feelings, longings, fears, values, dreams, missions).  You will have the opportunity to learn how to express yourself fully, to grieve losses, to develop mindfulness, and to create better relationships. All aspects of your experience will be addressed, including mind, body, feelings, and spirit.  I will be challenging you to be more open, vulnerable, aware and present.  There is an optimal level of risk-taking in any situation, however, and it’s important that you and I monitor how much outside your comfort zone to be is best for you at any given time.  

It will be important for us to focus on our interaction if you have issues (positive or negative) or difficulties that come up with me which also come up with other people in your life.  When one feels the power in expressing one's thoughts, feelings, and desires in an authentic, caring and assertive way, one has a greater sense of mastery in life.  Our therapeutic relationship will be an ideal place for you to practice being powerful.

I consider the space that you enter with me in therapy to be sacred—I am privileged to be embarking on a journey of exploration and growth with you, and I will hold all that you share with reverence and with care.  I will be a genuine person in the room with you, and my main guiding principle is to do that which is in your best interest.

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I accept the above statement, and have been given a copy for myself.  I have had the opportunity to ask questions and to voice my reactions. I am committed to doing my best in this therapy. 

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 Bob