How and/or why did you become a therapist?
I was always interested in people and subsequently their behavior. Being a therapist, therefore, seemed like a natural fit for me.
What are the most rewarding aspects of being a therapist?
It’s most rewarding when a client, couple, or family feels as though they have acquired the tools or gained the insight they need from therapy in order to handle an issue on their own.
What’s unique or special in your background or approach to interpersonal relationships?
As a licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Marriage and Family Therapist, I get to use both backgrounds in my work with people. Furthermore, I approach therapy in a very different manner than traditional psychotherapist in that I practice in a very efficient, effective, and time-sensitive manner; for example I practice a form a psychotherapy called Single Session Therapy. You can learn more at www.drmelissatherapy.com/sst I feel that it is my job and ethical responsibility to get people to a place where they essentially no longer need to come see me.
What are your favorite or most interesting interpersonal relationship tips/advice?
People typically come to therapy for significant issue; after marriage, after kids, etc…. Rather than having an issue escalate, I always encourage people to use preventative measures. For example, I often hear couples saying, “we’re only dating, we shouldn’t be going to therapy at this point”. I strongly disagree because I stress a preventative approach. Learning the tools needed to be successful in your relationship is invaluable and best learnt before unhealthy patterns and behaviors develop. Gaining insight, tools, and, using proper communication early on promotes longevity and health in any relationship.
What are some things about therapy that you want to increase public awareness about?
Every therapist is different, and I believe that success in therapy is very much intertwined you and your therapist’s compatibility. If you feel that you not benefiting from therapy, try identifying what you are looking for and search for that in another therapist rather than giving up on the process all together.
Bio
You can learn more about Dr. Melissa Schacter at https://www.drmelissatherapy.com.