Psychologists (and other therapists) provide psychotherapy, which helps to free people from negative emotions that are not caused by their current situation, and also counseling, which helps people solve problems that they are currently experiencing. When doing therapy and counseling, the job of a psychologist is to help people think rationally in the one area where they are, almost by definition, irrational: their emotions.
In my practice, over the years I have found that many problems are quite common, and I often say the same things to many clients. To save time, I have tried to create a website where people can find advice, information, and ideas to help them think and act more rationally about many common life problems. Sometimes I will suggest seeking additional help from a professional, and at other times I will have strategies and solutions for solving problems by yourself. I hope you find it helpful.
Thomas B. Hollenbach, Ph.D.
Human beings have emotions because they promote our survival and reproduction, and they do this by creating impulses to perform behaviors that are useful most of the time. Or rather, they create impulses to perform behaviors that were useful for our ancestors tens of thousands of years ago. Since human society has changed much more rapidly than the human gene pool, our emotions often tell us to do things that no longer work very well. This is what keeps psychologists in business.
The Information & Self-Help section of the Integrative Therapy Institute of New Jersey (ITI-NJ) provides educational articles about common emotional, psychological, and life concerns. These resources are intended to help individuals and families better understand problems, explore ideas for responding to them, and learn when professional help may be appropriate. The articles are educational resources and do not replace an individualized evaluation or professional treatment. For practical ideas about managing emotions and everyday challenges, see Dr. Hollenbach's Simple Rules for Happiness.
The Information & Self-Help section addresses a variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, attention difficulties, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress, and painful emotions that may be connected to past experiences. The articles explain these concerns in general terms to help readers understand possible symptoms, recognize patterns, and consider whether professional evaluation or treatment may be useful. The information is not intended to diagnose an individual or determine which treatment that person needs.
You can begin by reading articles related to the thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or life situations you want to understand better. Consider which ideas seem relevant to your experiences and whether there are practical changes you can try. Self-help information can be a useful starting point, but it may not fully address persistent or complex concerns. If you would like to explore your concerns with a professional, ITI-NJ offers Individual Therapy for people seeking help with emotional difficulties, behavior patterns, relationships, and other life challenges.
Self-help information can be useful for learning about emotional difficulties and considering different ways of responding to them. Professional therapy may be helpful when problems persist, interfere with daily life or relationships, or feel difficult to manage independently. ITI-NJ provides a range of Therapy Services designed to address different needs and circumstances. The appropriate next step depends on the concerns involved and the services that may be suitable for the individual or family.
Children and teenagers can experience emotional, behavioral, social, and developmental challenges that affect their well-being at home, at school, or in relationships. ITI-NJ offers Therapy Services for Children and Teens to address concerns appropriate to a young person's age, circumstances, and needs. Parents who are concerned about a child's difficulties can contact the Institute to discuss the situation and learn about possible next steps. The intake process helps determine which service may be appropriate.
Parenting challenges can sometimes create stress, uncertainty, or conflict within a family. Parents may benefit from support in understanding a child's behavior, improving communication, responding to difficult situations, and developing strategies that fit their family's needs. ITI-NJ offers Parent Counseling for parents seeking help with parenting concerns and family-related challenges. An intake discussion can help clarify the concerns and determine an appropriate next step.
Individual therapy provides an opportunity to work privately with a therapist on personal concerns, emotional difficulties, and goals for change. Group therapy brings participants together in a therapeutic setting to work on relevant concerns, develop skills, and learn from shared experiences. The format and goals of a group depend on the particular program being offered. ITI-NJ provides information about its available Group Therapy Services for people who want to explore whether a group may be appropriate for their needs.
Teletherapy allows clients to participate in psychotherapy remotely through a secure online platform. Depending on the person's needs, circumstances, location, and the type of service involved, online sessions may offer a convenient alternative to in-person appointments. Not every concern or service is equally suited to remote treatment, so it is important to discuss whether this format is appropriate. ITI-NJ provides more information about its Teletherapy services, including how to get started.
The most appropriate service depends on the concern, the people involved, and the type of support being sought. Some people may benefit from Individual Therapy, while other circumstances may call for services for children and teens, Parent Counseling, or a group program. Reading about the available services can help you understand the options, but it cannot determine which approach is right for a particular situation. Contacting ITI-NJ's intake staff is the best way to discuss your concerns and determine an appropriate next step.
The Integrative Therapy Institute of New Jersey is a group practice in clinical and counseling psychology with clinicians offering a range of specialties and services. Learning about the Institute can help you understand its background, clinical team, and approach to providing care. The About Us page provides additional information about ITI-NJ and its work.
Self-help information can support learning and personal reflection, but it cannot determine whether someone has a mental health condition or what type of treatment may be appropriate. Some concerns can be addressed through personal learning and changes in everyday habits, while persistent, severe, or disruptive difficulties may benefit from professional evaluation or treatment. The Information & Self-Help section is intended to complement, rather than replace, appropriate professional care.
In our work with children, teens, parents, and adults, we strive to meet the needs that everyone has for validation and support while helping them to expand their self-awareness and the range of skills they employ to work out solutions to the problems they face in life. Our mission at ITI-NJ is to improve psychotherapy outcomes for all clients and families in the communities we serve and to provide excellent, quality care with compassion and respect for all we serve.
Visit our Therapy Services Overview page for more information.
