Clinical Philosophy

Dr. Noll’s Clinical Philosophy

My clinical rationale comes from various theoretical viewpoints. I evaluate clients in a bio-psycho-social framework. In the session I empathically join with clients to form a therapeutic alliance. I rely on family systems models when working with children, adolescents, and families. I emphasize early family dynamics as our template for operating in the world and find patterns in present relationships including the therapist/client connection. I treat addictions utilizing a cognitive-behavioral recovery model, and integrating relapse prevention and self-help support. I am familiar with 12-Step philosophy. I try to make defense mechanisms, cognitive biases, and self-defeating behaviors overt. I review treatment goals regularly to evaluate and focus treatment, and to support and encourage progress. I look for incremental improvements as in Solution-Focused therapy. I try to harness previous successes and personal strengths to guide future improvements. I also utilize anxiety and phobia reducing methods such as Systematic Desensitization, coupled with relaxation exercises. What matters is what helps you.

We humans are complex. Science is constantly expanding the limits of our knowledge. We survive in overlapping social systems yet we also thrive in solitude. Billions of years of evolution ground us, yet from time to time our world might suddenly seem to unravel resulting in inexplicable instability and uncertainty. Countless factors, impacting us simultaneously, influence our daily lives. We perceive life with our senses and interact with the world around us employing highly developed and integrated tools such as our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Sometimes these tools don’t seem to work in coordination or we feel like they are failing us. We may “think” one way, “feel” another, and be surprised we “behaved” yet another way. We might even feel like we don’t know who is in the driver’s seat of our own life anymore. We become confused, distressed, anxious, and depressed, and struggle to regain balance, purpose, strength, and happiness.

I do believe that moving forward in life combines accepting that which we cannot change and having the courage to change what we can. Accepting that life, and significant others, may not meet all of our needs and expectations, and trying to step out of our comfort zone to make uncomfortable changes to our habits are not easy. Change requires openness, vulnerability and bravery. I always learn from my clients and respect their efforts to better their lives. We all have strengths and weaknesses in our efforts to meet our needs, improve our mood, and reach our dreams. Therapy can help identify your strengths and weaknesses, skills and roadblocks, to move you in your intended life direction. I hope to help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to maximize your potential to be successful and happy.