Stacy Hoffer, MA, M.Div, MSW, LCSW

What traditional approaches do you use?

We begin with an assessment, followed by a detailed discussion of your goals for therapy.  I often ask, "If this process were to help you, what would your life be like?  What would you do differently?  How would you feel?"  After exploring this in detail, I then suggest a care plan utilitzing various tools and techniques which have been helpful to people, such as cognitive behavior thought monitoring and correction of distorted thinking.

I use talk therapy with adults, and with children or teens I may use play therapy and/or family therapy sessions.  My approach is "eclectic" which means that I draw from several different areas of thought as I talk with my clients.  For example, I draw upon developmental theory, cognitive behavioral psychology, object relations theory, and insight oriented psychotherapy techniques.  I also understand and appreciate the 12 step addictions model and the theories of codependency and recovery.

What is your opinion on psychotropic medications, like Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Concerta, Adderal, etc?

I believe that these medications are routinely over-prescribed in our society; however, I have seen the medications be very helpful to people who truly need them.  I am neither pro medication or anti medication.   They are just another tool in the therapeutic tool box that may help some individuals greatly. 

If I feel at any time that you may benefit from an evalution for medication, I will recommend it to you.  You are always free to accept or decline anything I recommend.  I will only insist upon medical intervention when you are clearly a danger to yourself or others.