THIA JOSEPH, LICSW

Every experience of therapy is different, and it's vital that you work with a therapist who's a good fit for you.  To get a sense of whether we might work well together, read on for some thoughts about my style and approach.

The therapy process will be guided by your agenda and by my confidence in your capacity to change.  I believe deeply in the value of creativity, humor, humility and personal responsibility; these come through in my approach to the psychotherapy relationship.  I also believe that the work of a therapist evolves only as much as the therapist herself keeps evolving; consistent with this, I am continuously engaged in my own clinical training and personal development.  One of the things I value most about being a therapist is that the work constantly pushes me to keep learning and growing - as a therapist and as a person.

​

I draw primarily from humanistic, developmental, attachment and existential theories in making sense of the human experience and in helping people through their life challenges.  My way of working takes the whole person into consideration  - not just the 'symptoms' or 'problems' - and the spheres in which life is lived: mind, heart, body, spirit, family, community and culture.  I use an individualized and integrated approach, driven by you and the relationship we develop, not by technique or diagnosis. 

My style is warm and informal, while also frank and persistent.  It's critical that you feel heard and understood; and I'm committed to helping you feel better, healthier and more fulfilled, so sometimes I gently push and challenge.  My belief is that by risking to step out of what you already know - all your well-worn thoughts, feelings and habits - you'll create opportunities to grow, to feel more alive, and to fill your life with what really matters to you.  

Most of us can benefit from pushing ourselves a little harder to face difficult truths, and there also comes a time when it's important to stop pushing so hard, to offer ourselves compassion and acceptance, and to consider a gentler perspective; therapy incorporates both of these approaches.  Some people come to therapy with a singular goal in mind or problem to solve; some are seeking an organic process of self-observation and bringing the unconscious into consciousness; others turn to therapy simply to ease their adjustment to a major life event or unexpected change.  I will incorporate your unique concerns, desires and goals, and use my experience and clinical judgment to direct our work together so that you adapt and grow in the ways you long for.