Lena K. Swanson, Psy.D.

Individual therapy is one-on-one therapy and starts with an initial intake session. During this first session I will ask you different questions about yourself, your background, and your symptoms, and ask you what you are looking for in therapy and what you hope to accomplish in our work together. Some examples of the focus of individual therapy include building self-esteem, developing new coping skills, learning pain management and relaxation techniques, overcoming feelings of sadness and hopelessness, facing fears and phobias, recovering from traumatic experiences, and coping with the loss of a relationship breakup or the death of someone close to you.

In marriage and couples therapy you come in with your spouse or partner and we work together to solve problems in your relationship and to increase your relationship satisfaction. Some examples of the focus of couples therapy include building communications skills, rebuilding trust, addressing lifestyle and compatibility differences, healing from infidelity, increasing intimacy, and learning skills for long-term relationship success. Couples therapy starts with a joint intake session often followed by individual intake sessions.

In group therapy, 6-8 individuals or 3-4 couples meet weekly for a pre-determined period of time (such as 10 weeks) to address specific concerns. Examples of groups include Social Skills Training, Trust Building, and PTSD.