Barbara Hudson, MFT
Once our basic needs are met we all seek connection with others and meaning in our lives, but sometimes our own thoughts are actually obstructing our progress. Many different schools of thought have influenced me as a therapist, but the primary tool I use in my work with clients is cognitive therapy, which is the process of examining our beliefs, thoughts, and feelings to see how they are influencing our moods, relationships, and happiness. ‘Flat Earth’ beliefs are ones that may feel true, but on closer examination, are not logical or based on our current situation.
More important than techniques in therapy is the relationship you have with your therapist. Prior to going into private practice I worked in a variety of settings with people in crisis situations ranging from the sudden loss of a loved one, to feeling hopeless and suicidal. In all of those jobs I learned that it was essential to quickly establish a bond with the person I was charged with helping. If I couldn’t do that all the tools and techniques in the world were not going to be useful. That bond is just as important in a long-term therapy relationship. Therapy asks us to open ourselves and be vulnerable with someone who is a relative stranger. The person you choose to work with should be someone you feel a ‘fit’ with. There are many reasons we might fit with one therapist, but not another. If you don’t feel the fit is right by the end of your first session I will be glad to arrange to refer you other therapists who might work out better for you. Our relationship is crucial to our work together. If you have any questions or concerns, please bring them up at any time. I’m happy to explain or clarify anything I’ve said, or anything you’d like to understand about how therapy works.
Whether you’re coming as an individual or a couple you can get the most out of therapy if you clarify what you’d like to get out of it. Setting some goals and envisioning how you would like to be different will help guide our work together.
I provide individual, couple, and family counseling. Depression, anxiety, unresolved grief, traumatic events, and life transitions are some of the issues clients bring to therapy. If you have any questions about your particular issue and how therapy could help, please call me with your questions. Every person is different and my approach to therapy is tailored to your individual needs.
For information about rates, confidentiality, and appointment policies please read the Consent for Treatment, which can be found on the ‘Forms’ page.
The ‘Articles’ page contains essays I’ve written on relationships, therapy, and other issues. You might find them useful in articulating concerns you wish to address in therapy, or thinking about a problem in a new way.
To contact me with questions, or to request an appointment, please see the ‘Contact’ page of the website.