NOTICE:
As efforts continue to be made across the United States to legislate barriers and limitations to the individual expression and experience of gender, I remain committed to providing gender affirming care in accordance with WPATH standards and the ethical principles and standards of the National Association of Social Workers. I furthermore pledge to uphold such principles regardless of any potential mutability of present standards or laws. This banner may not always appear on this website but my commitment to treating people with dignity and respect regardless of gender, sexuality, or orientation will remain.
Psychodynamic and existential psychotherapy in Camden, Maine
accepting telehealth clients in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts
member of the New England Center for Existential Therapy and the American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work
certified by the Existential-Humanistic Institute
JON ST. PETER, LCSW, LICSW
"If we have our own why in life, we shall get along with almost any how." - Friedrich Nietzsche
“Man cannot endure his own littleness unless he can translate it into meaningfulness on the largest possible level.” - Ernest Becker
ABOUT THERAPY
Psychotherapy is the practice of treating psychological and emotional distress through the act of communicating and processing complex thoughts and emotions with the support of a trained professional. The word "therapy" comes from the Greek for "healing," and psychotherapy is specifically healing of the mind, spirit, or conscious element of the person. Even if you're new to the idea, you've probably seen it represented (or misrepresented) in television, movies, jokes or cartoons, like the one below:
But you don't have to lie down on the couch (although this is sometimes helpful in psychoanalysis) and you don't have to talk about your mother unless you want to.
What is existential therapy?
For more information about existential therapy:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/existential-therapy
https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/existential-psychotherapy
Recommended reading:
The Courage to Be by Paul Tillich
The Denial of Death by Ernst Becker
The Ethics of Ambiguity by Simone de Beauvoir
Man's Search For Meaning by Viktor Frankl
The Courage to Create by Rollo May
Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
What to expect:
Before beginning therapy, you are welcome to call or email me to discuss your needs, concerns, and questions. If we decide together to schedule an initial appointment at that time, we will discuss insurance or other payment arrangements, and I will ask you to fill out some legal and demographic information.
During our first meeting, I'll invite you to speak more in depth about what's bringing you to therapy, what your personal world looks like in terms of work, play, relationships, et cetera, and we'll develop concrete goals to work toward. In all therapeutic relationships, it is important to find a "good fit," and this is an opportunity to make that assessment. I will not take it personally. Remember, it's always appropriate for you to share with your therapist if you think things are on the wrong (or right) track. This feedback is almost always universally needed, welcomed and appreciated.
Areas in which I have the greatest experience and insight include trauma, depression, anxiety, gender and LGBTQ affirmation issues, and explorations of personal meaningfulness and identity.
I feel that the most appropriate and effective role as a therapist is to provide unconditional positive regard, listening, empathizing, and reflecting. I do my best to refrain from interpreting, judging or advising. I believe effective therapy should be guided and directed by the client--the greatest expert on themselves and their unique internal experience.
I do not generally approach a session with an agenda for the client; rather, it is ideal that the client can guide the session, and when possible, the course of therapy as a whole. Sometimes clients need assistance organizing their goals, and this is provided when required.
