"One of the luxuries of being in practice so many years is that I am able to work with people who want to make changes in their lives. My experience with a wide range of people and clinical issues has taught me to value the unique strengths and needs of each person. In my private practice I work with adults, couples and groups. I also teach and consult with other therapists, to help clients get more out of their current treatment.  It is a joy to be able to help in so many different ways."

INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATION

Consultation with therapists who want to draw up a
Therapist's Professional Will

Writing you own Therapist's Professional Will helps you and your colleagues cope when you are unavailable due to vacation, illness, unexpected absence or terminating your practice.

It is difficult to make time to plan for these possible disruptions to an ongoing relationship with a client. I consult with individuals, groups and agencies who want to complete a Therapist's Professional Will in order to be prepared. Many therapists find that it helps to form what I refer to as your Emergency Response Team, a group of trusted colleagues you want to take over your practice in the event of your absence. I provide consultation services on an as-needed basis for groups, to help your and your team members keep on track and moving forward on this important, yet challenging project.

Consultations are available on either an individual or group basis.

consultation with therapists who do individual therapy

Fortunately we never stop growing, and there is always more to learn about the art of therapy.  Consultation can enrich your clinical practice, help you sharpen your skills and rejuvenate your practice.  This dialogue can be ongoing or on an as-needed basis.

I offer consultation for therapists who want to expand their comfort and knowledge base in the following areas:

• Medical illness
• The impact of illness on relationships
• Major life transitions
• Work related challenges
• Trust and intimacy issues
• Organizational issues
• Couples therapy
• Group therapy
• Countertransference issues 

Consultation with Therapists Who Lead Groups

Group therapy is a rich, often challenging process. Unfortunately, many therapists had to learn their group skills from the "Seat of the Pants School." They may not have had the opportunity to learn about the unique benefits that groups offer. They may not have learned how to design, screen and prepare clients for their groups so that members get the most out of this rich treatment modality.

Consultations are available on either an individual or group basis.

Consultation ABOUT CURRENT CLIENTS

Sometimes it helps therapists to get an outside or second opinion when they and/or their clients feel stuck, or the issues are not in the therapist's area of expertise.  Both you and your client who have a good working relationship can benefit from time-limited consultation with an expert. My role in these individual sessions is to collaborate in order to enrich your current treatment.  In this way both therapist and client benefit from the input of a specialist.

CONSULTATION GROUPS

Consultation Group for licensed mental health professionals
C.E. Units available for MFTs and LCSW in the state of California. BBS Continuing Education Provider #PCE 4462. Units for psychologists pending.

This twice monthly, facilitated consultation group is designed for licensed therapists who want to look closely at their clinical work, deepen their understanding of their client's processes and sharpen their skills. Members benefit from the support and stimulation of discussing clinical and practice issues with colleagues. This case consultation group combines member's case presentations, relevant reading and discussion.

Members present clinical case material, including their therapeutic framework, working diagnoses, client's history and cultural context. Discussion also addresses the different diagnostic and treatment planning issues as they relate to treatment challenges, family of origin issues, and impact of medical issues if any. In addition, the quality and meaning of the transference is explored, while acknowledging the informative value of countertransference.

Stereotypes and prejudices about groups and group therapy exist among therapists and the general public.  Many therapists have not had the opportunity to learn about the unique benefits that groups offer. Often this makes it more difficult to establish and maintain groups. 

This facilitated consultation group is designed for therapists who want to improve their leadership skills, help their groups feel more rewarding, and deepen their understanding of the group process. This case consultation group combines member's case presentations, informal didactic presentations and discussion.

For more details about the Consultation Group for Group Therapists, please click here.

Groups, the antidote for isolation, can enrich ongoing individual therapy.  Group members dealing with similar challenges can help each other and grow from that experience. Members give each other the gift of hope and cheer each other on during the dark times, the minor and major victories.  There is nothing like witnessing a group trying new ways of coping with challenges, and change their negative self-image. Group work, while challenging, is a true joy.  And helping other therapists make their groups a safer and richer experience for their clients is often stimulating and enriching for each of us.

Whether you would benefit from help planning a group that uses a different format than you are accustomed to or want assistance starting a new group, consultation can give you the tools to put together a group that will be safe, meaningful and productive for group members.

For detailed information about Dr. Steiner's qualifications and experience, see her Biography Page.

If you have any questions or want to discuss whether and how I can be of assistance, please feel free to contact me at (925) 962-0060 or by sending an email with your phone number and a variety of times when it would be convenient for me to return your call.