Practice Philosophy
"Live, love, analyze."
I often tell my clients they are doing a nice thing for themselves by going to psychotherapy. One does not need to wait for a difficulty to arise as a motivator to enter therapy. Participating in therapy sessions can bring greater in-depth personal exploration and better, more fulfilling relationships with others.
Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. When indicated, both need regular periodic visits to skilled professionals. In this culture, it is easier to go our family doctor for physical ailments than go to a mental health professional for personal issues. Psychotherapy has more negative stereotypes associated with it than other health professions. This need not be so.
I encourage potential clients to "shop" around before deciding which therapist is a best match in personality style and personal rapport. My priority is acting in the best interests of the client, even if that means referring a client to another therapist who may be more skilled in working on a particular issue.
In order to be a more effective therapist, I regularly partake in weekly, open-ended individual psychoanalytic psychotherapy myself. I recognize how powerful and cathartic it is to have your thoughts and feelings heard by an objective professional clinician with a trained ear in a safe and nonjudgemental environment.
We, human beings, have unlimited capacity to grow. Psychotherapy is a long respected profession. One way we can honor our humaness is by validating our emotions - that can be achieved in therapy sessions with the right therapist.
Excerpts of patient feedback (unsolicited):
"Lisa,
Thank you for all that you have done, ...
You gave with understanding, not merely out of duty,
My days are changed for the better by your kindhearted hand,
Upon your confidence in me, I now proudly stand!"
"Dr. Fischer, ...Your work has made a huge difference in my life and I am very grateful to have found you. You were a big part of my ability to implement many of the positive changes in my life this year."
