Welcome to the podcast! Today I am delighted to be joined by Jake Thiessen, PhD, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with a private practice in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania.   

Jake’s orientation to psychotherapy is existential and experiential.  What that means is that he believes the most productive focus of therapy is on the here-and-now as opposed to the there-and-then. Granted, we are all, in many ways, the product of our history. As a result, it is often important to explore events from the past.   

Gathering information about the past and the patterns of behavior that were established then can be very useful and informative. But, the only place we can affect change is in the present. So, his primary interest is in how one experiences one's self and others in the present. 

Although he frequently works with individuals, Jake’s primary interest is in relationship difficulties. As humans, we are essentially relational and emotional beings. Because of this, he works with couples whenever possible.  

Jake believes change occurs most efficiently in the context of an intimate relationship where we have an opportunity to feel accepted just as we are. Most of us want to feel that no matter how messed up we are, we are still lovable and deserve respect. Psychotherapy offers a safe environment to address those things that keep us from feeling loved and respected. 

Full show notes available at - lourdesviado.com/womenindepth