Dan Sontag
I have years of experience helping people of all ages in a variety of contexts including individual psychotherapy, work with children, youth & families, crisis work and case management. I have also been a program director for many years and I find it especially rewarding and meaningful to work with people individually. And I'm a good therapist, so that helps.
First session
I will start by exploring what is motivating you to seek help now and then go into some personal history to better understand how you have come to this place in your life. I am clear that what you share is up to you. I am up front about what I think and how I might be able to help.
Strengths
I do my best to relate to what you are sharing. I tend to think about what I would want if I were in your position and then figure out together what would be helpful. I find that people appreciate that I am secure enough to be honest about what I am thinking and feeling in relation to our work together.
Treatment methods
Psychodynamic
My approach is to consider how a person's life experience is reflected in their thoughts, emotions, relationships and functioning. I want to understand what is working well, what one is interested in changing, and how best to proceed.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I find that cognitive behavioral techniques are helpful in initiating change because they are practical and help us understand the connections between our actions, thoughts and emotions, and the places where a person can make adjustments to be more effective.
Trauma Informed Care
For me, understanding the nature and impact of trauma in one's life is a core principle in my practice. There are so many ways that our traumatic experiences impact our lives and on so many levels. Building trust and empowerment are a part of everything I do clinically.
Location
Virtual sessions