One of the luxuries of being in practice so many years is that I have worked with a wide range of people and clinical issues. We all learn from each other. As a lifelong learner, I value the unique strengths and needs of each person. I consult with other therapists to help clients get more out of their current treatment. It is a joy to be able to help in so many different ways.
Consultation is an important adjunct throughout our professional lives. Whether individual or in a group setting, consultation is an valuable investment in keeping our clinical skills tuned up.
Dr. Steiner currently offers several types of psychotherapy consulting services.
“Life is not what it is supposed to be. It’s what it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.”
Virginia Satirthe “mother of family therapy"
Individual Case Consultation
Feeling stuck? Sometimes it helps to look closely with a consultant at what is and isn’t working in a particular therapy. Consultation is designed to provide a safe place to explore transference, countertransference and other external influences on treatment. Reviewing the client’s history of attachment, relationship history, including substance use and abuse, impact of medical conditions, family of origin cultural issues, etc. often provide information about how treatment challenges get co-created. They can also show us helpful paths towards greater growth.
Theoretical Orientation
As with all psychotherapy, consultation works best when there is a good match, and there is mutual respect. I encourage consultees to clarify what they want from our meetings, what works, as well as what isn’t helpful. This too is a collaborative process.
Although I draw from a variety of theoretical techniques, my primary approach is psychodynamic combined with control mastery and systems theory. Each approach offers different ways of viewing countertransference and transference.
Consultation Areas
Dr. Steiner enjoys consulting with professional psychotherapists on a variety of topics, specializing in:
- Therapist’s professional wills
- Group therapy
Socio-Cultural Context Matters
It is important to understand the major influences in one’s life and to focus on how personal history and past relationships affect current life and choices.
Family and systems theory remind us to be curious about each individual context—including their history, culture, support systems, and values.
“We must not allow other people’s limited perceptions to define us.”
Virginia Satirthe “mother of family therapy"