Maria Ines Butler, LCSW provides confidential, supportive and compassionate care to adolescents, adults, couples and groups. She helps clients develop their strengths by providing a safe space where they can gain insight, explore possibilities and solutions and develop coping skills in the safety of a non-judgemental and supportive therapeutic relationship. She uses a strength based client centered approach with a Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral framework focusing on clients’ resiliency and at the same time honors and respects their cultural values and beliefs. She believes that each individual is an expert of her/his life experience.
Why do people seek therapy?
People seek therapy for many reasons. People may come to therapy due to a stressful event they have experienced, while others may seek therapy because they see pattern in their lives which they are not happy with. Therapy is about self exploration, learning new coping skills, becoming more self aware and living fuller lives.
What happens during a therapy session?
During session clients talk about concerns and issues they are dealing with in their lives. Sessions usually last 45 minutes, but some people request longer times. People usually receive weekly sessions but those who may be in crisis or extreme distress may need additional support until the crisis passes. Clients are sometimes asked to do certain assignments in between sessions to help in their therapeutic process. Clients are encouraged to provide feedback as to what things they find helpfull in their treatment and are encouraged to take an active role in the therapeutic process.
What benefits can I expect from therapy?
There are many benefits available when working with a therapist. It is often helpful to feel understood and have support from a non-judgmental listener. Therapy provides a safe space where you can explore a fresh perspective and different ways of looking at things. People find therapy often helps manage personal grown, interpersonal relationships, past traumatic/life altering events, family concerns, etc. Some of the benefits available from therapy include: Better understanding of self, better understanding how past events impact who you are today, better understanding your personal goals, developing skills to improve relationships, developing skills to manage symptoms (such as nightmares, difficulty sleeping, flashbacks, etc) that impare your daily functioning, learning skills to improve your overall satisfaction with your life and who you are.
How do I figure out what my goals are for therapy?
If you don't know what your goals are for therapy, that's okay. With your therapist you can determine what you want your goals for therapy to be. It may take several sessions to determine what direction you want to take and during therapy your goals may change. However, remember that deciding what areas of your life you want to focus on will help you get the most out of therapy.
State law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information can not be disclosed without permission, except for a few exceptions. Please note the following exceptions:
Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse.
If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person or persons.
If a client intends to harm himself or herself.
"Everything that is done in the world is done by hope." Martin Luther King Jr.
10339-A Democracy Lane Fairfax, VA 22030 703-507-0963
