Category Archives: Therapy

UNDOING DEPRESSION: A Visualization Alternative to Anti-Depressant Medications

 by Susan Heitler, Ph.D. www.therapyhelp.com and www.poweroftwomarriage.com Depression produces feelings of powerlessness and helplessness. Depressed feelings are triggered by a situation in which a person gives up on getting something of felt importance. The following visualization, illustrated on the audiotape Depression: A Disorder of Power, can powerfully combat depressed moods. Designed for therapists to use […]

A New Blog — Resolution, Not Conflict

As of the last week of August of 2011 PsychologyToday.com has selected me to be one of the psychologists who post expert-opinions on their website.  My first post on the blog is an article explaining three of the main elements that make couples therapy effective.    “From Thin-Skinned to Win-Win“–a title suggested by Kent Powell, my […]

Effective Apologies: A Quick Guide to the Key Ingredients

To fully clean up distressed feelings an apology needs to include the following ingredients. 1.  Specificity: “I’m sorry about my ______.”  That is, specify exactly what you did that you see now was mistaken. 2.  Non-intentionality: “I didn’t mean to hurt you.” 3.  Clarification:  What was your miss – the mistake, misperception, misunderstanding, miscommunication, mishap, […]

Conflict Resolution Treatment with Couples: Arenas of Intervention

Like a three ring circus, conflict resolution therapy with couples includes three arenas of interventions. In Arena A the therapist identifies and guides resolution of the issues over which couples have been experiencing tensions.  Tensions can be manifest in squabbles, fights, or reluctance to address specific issues for fear that talking would lead to arguments. […]

Conflict Resolution Treatment with Couples: Levels of Intervention

Three Levels of Conflict Resolution Treatment Susan Heitler, Ph.D., www.therapyhelp.com and www.poweroftwomarriage.com  Jon and Julia came to therapy for help toning down their continual bickering.  Now they rarely bicker and enjoy instead a warm and loving partnership.  What does a conflict resolution therapist do that turns a couple like this from conflict to cooperation? My […]

The Win-Win Waltz: A Strategy for Conflict Resolution and Shared Problem-Solving

Couples often seek information on how to fix a relationship, how to communicate with your spouse, how to handle marriage problems, and how to save a marriage. They are wise to seek out this kind of information, especially about skills for communication in marriage. Most of all they need conflict resolution skills for collaboratively finding win-win solutions to their differences.

EFFECTIVE ANXIETY TREATMENT

ANXIETY: FRIEND OR FOE? A GUIDE TO CONFLICT-FOCUSED TREATMENT OF ANXIETY Based on the Audio CD Anxiety: Friend or Foe? by Susan Heitler, Ph.D. available at www.therapyhelp.com or http://poweroftwomarriage.com. This guide is for therapists.  At the same time, individuals are welcome to use it on their own, or with the help of a friend. Step I. Identify […]

What is psychological reversal? How can it be treated?

Psychological Reversal: Assessment and Treatment of Self-Defeating Tendencies By Susan Heitler, Ph.D. www.therapyhelp.com Posted March 2, 2011 Note: Dale Petterson, one of the independent therapy professionals in my office suite, is presently conducting free testing for psychological reversal.  To schedule a test, please contact the secretary in our office suite at 303 388-4211.  The test […]

Therapeutic Mediation: An Alternative to Costly Litigation

Susan Heitler, Ph.D. 4500 East 9th Avenue, Suite 660-S, Denver, CO 80220 (303) 388-4211, drheitler@gmail.comju For permission to reproduce this article please contact the author. C Susan Heitler, 1998. Psychologists and lawyers work in similar businesses. Helping people to resolve their conflicts is a central mission of both professions. Psychologists like myself apply our skills primarily […]