Beth Firestein

My approach to counseling and therapy are informed by the variety of training and the many theoretical orientations I have been exposed to and learned about over my career. My treatment philosophy and approach include elements of psychodynamic, humanistic, client-centered and family systems approaches. I also integrate an understanding of socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, age, gender, and sexual identity as important factors influencing a person’s identity, relationships and opportunities (or lack of opportunities) in this culture and society. I view people from a strength-based perspective, focusing on the person’s abilities and character strengths to assist them in creating a personal foundation for constructive change and problem-solving. I provide a safe, confidential, and accepting environment for honest exploration of areas of personal difficulty and potential solutions to personal and relationship problems. While I do not pathologize people or work for a “disease model” of mental health or depression treatment, I do have the background, training, and clinical skill to help clients identify biologically-based mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar illness and make appropriate referrals for medical evaluation, if needed. My approach involves working as a team with medical and other health practitioners (massage therapists, physical therapists, etc.) to provide a collaborative and holistic approach to helping each person resolve the issues that bring them to therapy.