Pat Geraghty (He, Him)

Most of our time as humans is spent with our own thoughts. How do we treat ourselves during that time? We often give others credit we do not allow ourselves to feel. As a therapist, I enjoy the journey with clients of evaluating current relationships with the self. From there, careful consideration is given to identifying the narrative, identifying strengths and areas of growth, and working with the client to write a more positive story of themselves.

In life, much of our mental health relies on the strength and stability of our connection to others. When we find ourselves in dysfunctional relationships, second guessing ourselves for approval of others, or have a hard time valuing ourselves to name a few examples of patterns, it might be time for a closer look at how we relate to others. I enjoy providing psycho education on different attachment styles, and assisting clients in forging new ways of looking at relationships.

Anxiety! What a nasty beast. Just when we think we are over it, life happens and we are back in the cycle of anxiety. As a therapist, I enjoy working to build the client therapist alliance to allow for the vulnerability needed to fully explore anxiety patterns. I find folks find it helpful to gain knowledge on how anxiety functions, and take advantage of a judgement free space to talk things out. I work well with people stuck in a cycle of worry and those who often feel overwhelmed.

I believe as people we are all trying our best. I am drawn to practicing humanistic therapy because the therapist is allowed to view client issues from a strengths perspective. If changes were easy, the client likely would have made them already. Humanistic therapy allows for the client therapist connection to grow, which allows for the vulnerability and team work it takes to get to the core of presenting issues.

CBT is very practical in nature and gives clients tangible strategies to try to improve their situations. While I prefer to be non directive, providing CBT strategies to clients fosters a sense of hope that their symptoms are capable of improving. I like utilizing CBT for clients that are looking for something actionable.

Where we come from shapes who we are and how we relate to others. Utilizing attachment theory allows an evaluation of early relationships, how functional and dysfunctional they were, and the impact or lack or impact that has on current relationships. This kind of work requires great trust and vulnerability. I am truly honored and consider it a privilege when a client is willing to do this work.

Most of life we are in conversations with ourselves in our head. How do those conversations go? How do we treat ourselves? We often give others the credit we would not allow ourselves to feel. In treatment, I work with clients to help identify the themes of their internal narrative. Often I find client's are harder on themselves than anyone else in their life is. I value finding strengths and areas of growth in clients. This allows for more positive thinking, and gentler feedback to ourselves.

Much of our mental health in life depends on the strength and quality of our relationships with others. If we find ourselves stuck in a cycle of people pleasing, avoidant behavior, or self talk that discourages connection, it might be time to take a closer look at how we relate to others. In work with clients, it is essential to provide psycho education on different attachment styles. I take pride in assisting clients in forming new ways to relate to others that challenge their current beliefs.

Anxiety is similar to the child hood game, whac-a-mole. Just when we think our worries are gone, life happens and something new has sparked the anxiety cycle. I truly enjoy forming relationships with clients where the client feels comfortable enough to truly detail their worries and the impact they feel. I like to provide psycho education on the way anxiety functions, and work with clients to improve their relationship to worry.