Individual Psychotherapy
Through 25 years of a clinical practice, Dr. Phillips has found the following approaches to be effective in treating a variety of client problems.
The single most important aspect of treatment is the therapeutic relationship. Clients find Dr. Phillips compassionate and truly interested in them as individuals. The resultant trust allows for a relaxed and open exchange.
A multi-faceted approach focuses on the person as a whole. In addition to looking at strictly psychological issues, the individual's health, career, finances, play and spirituality are all potential topics of discussion. Dr. Phillips can function as advisor, career coach, relationship guide as well as psychotherapist. Often, psychological issues affect the degree to which a career succeeds. CEOs have asked Dr. Phillips to assist them in managing their board and key employees and to aid them in keeping focused on staffing to their own weaknesses.
The therapeutic exchange is lively and interactive. While clients do most of the talking, unless they are initially inhibited, Dr. Phillips is active in keeping therapy on track and engaged. Otherwise, if clients are left to direct the course of a session, their natural avoidances may at times lead them to safe but non-essential topics where progress is delayed.
Therapy is viewed as a microcosm of the larger society. Thus, we eventually act in therapy in much the same way as we do in our other relationships. As a result, some of treatment is here-and-now where issues which arise between client and therapist are discussed and understood. As clients improve their relating to the therapist, they gradually discover they can deal with others more effectively as well.
"A key concept of Dr. Phillips professional care has to do with responsibility. Research has shown that individuals who view the world largely in their personal control are emotionally healthier than those who feel they are mostly at the mercy of the universe. Treatment encourages a shift in perspective from powerlessness and blame to potency and personal responsibility. Time and again, it is apparent when we focus on our own issues, those around us are positively influenced to respond to us accordingly. Taking action replaces waiting for things to improve or for others to change."
David Phillips, Ph.D.
Atlanta Psychologist
Dr. Phillips believes his clients are capable of being emotionally healthy. From this perspective, he relates to them as experienced equals. Therapy is viewed as a joint venture where both parties influence the course, the pace and the scope of the work. Humor is used since treatment is viewed as a challenging, rewarding and sometimes entertaining adventure where personal qualities are discovered and claimed. Dr. Phillips feels kind and sympathetic toward his clients. He also views himself as the carrier of hope when hope does not yet exist within them.
