Respectful

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I take a personable, collaborative, and empathic approach to psychotherapy.  I welcome on-going feedback.  In fact, I enjoy how patient input allows a unique, custom-fit, counseling experience with each person.  

I believe my patients should always feel they have the following expectations met:

Feel respected and not judged

Feel that I (Dr. Lapidus) am highly receptive to constructive criticism

Be fully informed of your diagnosis, treatment goals, and treatment plans so you can be an active participant in these formulations

Have the option to quickly dive into “the heart of the problem” or pace yourself, waiting until you feel comfortable and have a sense of trust

Have your confidentiality protected (with a few exceptions such as protecting people from harm)

Openly question and discuss whether you feel satisfied in therapy

Have me (Dr. Lapidus) actively collaborate with your other treatment providers (e.g., your general practioner or psychiatrist)

Feel comfortable asking for other treatment options and referrals

Weekly appointments are made available to patients as a sense of connection and dedication is integral in psychotherapy success.  I do not believe it is helpful for clients to have to wait weeks between appointments because their therapist is overbooked.  

Appointments start & end on time.  I appreciate how details such as these reflect reliability and predictability that are essential to create the context for a safe therapy environment.  

The therapy hour is distraction free.  I do not distract myself with food, phone calls, computer work, or other tasks that can wait until between appointments to handle.  

I keep my focus sharp and myself fully present & engaged in each appointment by making sure to take care of myself (sleep, nutrition, exercise) and by keeping a moderate caseload.  You will NOT feel like something on a conveyor belt.  

Clients are viewed as people first.  I will take the time to get to know you and not over generalize from a possible diagnosis or treatment issue.  I will provide honest and clear feedback but within the context of curiosity (versus judgment).

"Resistance" is not a concept I rely upon.  If therapy ever becomes stuck it means there is more to understand.  That is, I prefer to reflect on the therapy process rather than "blame" the patient.   

Your autonomy is put above all else.  This helps me respect diversity and embrace you exploring your own answers versus imposing my own beliefs on you.  

I continually attempt to grow myself both personally and professionally.  I wouldn't expect of you what I am not willing to do myself.  I invest in growth that is well beyond what is required to keep my psychology license.  I am continually aware of the saying, "if you have a hammer everything looks like a nail" and am constantly seeking to expand my tools. 

While having a private practice is my business it is also my calling and this underlying drive pushes me to conduct myself with the utmost warmth and compassion.