I have had the privilege of being a psychotherapist and life coach for 30 years. During that time, I have worked with individuals and couples, helping them overcome problems that prevent them from living happy and healthy lives. Working on ourselves is essential to finding our way, and working on our relationships is another.
This book has two parts. The first, “Ourselves,” focuses on what I teach people to help them change themselves. In these chapters, I write about how to build self-worth, combat negative thinking, stop perfectionism, worry less, and set protective and family boundaries. In the second part, “Our Relationships,” I look at how to rediscover intimacy, learn to be best friends again, pick your partner, have a successful long-term relationship, how to establish trust, and more.
I provide a worksheet at the end of each chapter so that you can quickly reflect on what you’ve read, write down the changes you’d like to make in your life and list the steps you need to take to make those changes. The chapters in each section are individual essays and can be read in any order.
As a therapist, I have worked with people with childhood trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and other issues. Psychotherapy, rooted in psychological theories and clinical practice, focuses on resolving or reducing emotional pain and mental health problems. I use two methods in therapy: psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive therapy.
In psychodynamic psychotherapy, I help people resolve the emotions associated with past traumas. I work on changing how you see the past and your perspective on it. This work enables you to process emotions related to past traumas and lessen or resolve their impact on your life today. We question clouded, distorted views you may have about yourself and your relationships due to developmental trauma.
Sample
Finding Our Way: Creating Change in Ourselves and Our Relationships by Dr. Larry Cohen
Therapist & Life Coach, Voorhees NJ, Marlton NJ and Cherry Hill NJ (856) 352-5428
Introduction
“It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are.”
― E.E. Cummings
In cognitive therapy, I help clients identify their beliefs about themselves, how these beliefs cloud their thinking, and how this clouded view of reality drives emotions and behaviors. Having an understanding of how you see yourself and how you think allows you to challenge your faulty thinking and correct it. As a result, emotions and behaviors change. In addition, correcting faulty thinking enables you to choose your behaviors. Instead of reacting, you can begin to choose how to behave. As a result, you act instead of react. This work can change your life as it adds greater choice to how you live.
I always provide therapy using what is called a person-centered approach. Person-centered therapy, pioneered by Carl Rogers, emphasizes the power of empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard in facilitating personal growth. This approach centers on creating a non-judgmental, empathic therapeutic alliance, allowing you to explore your past experiences, uncover your inherent strengths, and find solutions. It promotes self-acceptance, self-empowerment, and the cultivation of authentic self-expression.
As a life coach, I help people identify life goals, uncover the steps to achieving them, and work to overcome the obstacles that prevent them from reaching their goals. Life coaching embraces a forward-looking perspective, focusing on personal development, goal setting, and achieving desired outcomes. It aims to enhance individual strengths, clarify values, and inspire you to take purposeful action toward your aspirations. Life coaching empowers you to live authentically, cultivate resilience, and design a fulfilling life aligned with your values and goals.
In “Finding Our Way,” I share what I teach clients daily. This book will challenge your thinking and how you see yourself and your relationships. I hope it helps you uncover your true self, change your ways of seeing, and live the life you imagine.
May 18, 2023