Respectful Therapy: A Collaborative Approach

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I adopt a personable, collaborative, and empathic approach to psychotherapy, emphasizing patient collaboration throughout the process. I welcome ongoing feedback because I believe that this confidential therapy fosters a unique, custom-fit counseling experience for each individual.

I believe my patients should always feel that the following expectations are met in our confidential therapy sessions: 

• 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, allowing you to 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 individuals from harm 
• Openly question and discuss whether you feel satisfied in therapy 
• Experience active patient collaboration, where I (Dr. Lapidus) work alongside your other treatment providers, such as your general practitioner or psychiatrist 
• Feel comfortable asking for other treatment options and referrals based on our psychotherapy approach.

Weekly appointments are made available to patients because a sense of connection and dedication is integral to the success of psychotherapy. I do not believe it is helpful for clients to have to wait weeks between appointments when their therapist is overbooked, as this can hinder confidential therapy. 

Appointments start and end on time. I appreciate how details such as these reflect reliability and predictability, which are essential for creating a safe therapy environment. 

The therapy hour is distraction-free; I avoid distractions such as food, phone calls, computer work, or other tasks that can wait until between appointments. 

I keep my focus sharp and remain fully present and engaged during each session by taking care of myself—through adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise—and by maintaining a moderate caseload. You will NOT feel like just another case on a conveyor belt. 

Clients are viewed as people first. I will take the time to get to know you rather than overgeneralize based on a possible diagnosis or treatment issue. I will provide honest and clear feedback, emphasizing patient collaboration within a framework of curiosity rather than judgment. 

The concept of "resistance" is not part of my psychotherapy approach. If therapy ever becomes stuck, it means there is more to understand, and I prefer to reflect on the therapy process instead of blaming the patient. 

Your autonomy takes precedence. This helps me respect diversity and allows you to explore your answers without imposing my beliefs. 

I am continually striving to grow both personally and professionally. I wouldn’t expect anything from you that I am not willing to do myself. I invest in growth that goes beyond maintaining my psychology license. Constantly aware of the maxim "if you have a hammer, everything looks like a nail," I am always seeking to expand my therapeutic tools. 

While having a private practice is my business, it is also my calling, and this underlying drive encourages me to interact with warmth and compassion.