FAQs about my Psychotherapy Practice

Marcia Naomi Berger, LCSW
750 Las Gallinas Avenue, Suite 200
San Rafael, California 94903
415-491-4801

Frequently Asked Questions About My Psychotherapy Practice

1. How can psychotherapy help me?

Through psychotherapy, you can move from a mode of survival to one of growth, joy, meaning, and more satisfying connections with others. Whether you are single or married, experiencing relationship or other difficulties at home or at work, for example, depression, anxiety, addiction, or have a child with behavioral problems, I can assist you in identifying core issues, setting goals, and accomplishing them.

2. Can you help me to make my spouse/child, or some other person change?

If you are the one who is experiencing stress, you will benefit from learning ways to help yourself feel better, regardless of how the other person behaves. Once you commit to therapy for yourself, you can expect to experience more fulfilling relationships.

3. Why can’t I use therapy just to vent about present and past difficulties?

Some venting may help you to connect with your feelings. Using the psychotherapy time solely to air frustrations, however, perpetuates a sense of hopelessness. I can help you to formulate and implement goals for yourself, and reverse this syndrome.

4. What happens in a therapy session with you?

I encourage clients to set the agenda. I listen attentively and assist as needed. My interventions are designed to be congruent with helping you to achieve your goals.

5. How long does it take?

I would need to evaluate your particular area of concern. Some situational stresses are resolved within a few sessions. A longer term of therapy is generally needed to produce a lasting resolution for more longstanding, entrenched difficulties.

6. What school of psychotherapy do you practice?

My training at the University of Michigan School of Social Work emphasized both psychoanalytic and cognitive/behavioral approaches. In subsequent employment as a clinical social worker, I developed expertise in couples and family therapy, group therapy, gestalt therapy, art therapy, play therapy for children, and psychodrama. Each individual is unique. My treatment plan for you will be tailored to my assessment of the particular aspects your situation.

7. Why can’t I just handle my problems on my own?

It is healthy to seek psychotherapy for recurring problems that you have not been able to resolve on your own. A skilled psychotherapist can help you move beyond self-defeating patterns and into a more fulfilling life.