Avriette Holly J Ph. D.

Information may not be reliable

There have been many changes in psychology in recent years. Very good research has been able to enlighten us about sleep, happiness, marital harmony and other areas of living. I attempt to stay current with pertinent research. I often assign reading to patients who are interested to facilitate treatment. It is my experience that patients make better progress when they take an active role in psychotherapy. I view psychotherapy as a highly interactive process. While I want to understand my patients, it is more important that they reach understanding themselves .

One of the trends that I find most helpful is much of the research that has been done on Happiness. Dr. Martin Seligman has written several books on this topic and there is a link to his website in 'Useful Resources'. His books reflect the welcome trend towards 'positive psychology'. When applicable, I assign this material or work with it. I find that most of the people I see will accept the need for taking a "history" of them, but do not want to "dwell on the past". They often express the need to deal with current problems and feel this is where they prefer the focus of psychotherapy. This can work very well and I do honor this request. Psychotherapy need not be lengthy, but the strides made during psychotherapy can be lasting.

It is my practice to evaluate for medication referral. If a patient desires medication or it is indicated, I refer to a variety of psychiatrists. The public often has difficulty with understanding the differences between these two professions. As a psychologist I am able to diagnose and treat disorders. I do not prescribe medication, but do refer to a psychiatrist for medication while you continue to see me for psychotherapy.