PSYCHOTHERAPY...THE TALKING CURE. For over 25 years Dr. Haxton has been helping her patients tell their stories. Through a safe and nonjudgmental connection, her patients feel unburdened, develop insight, and know that they are not alone in facing their problems.

Women often feel more comfortable in a relationship with a woman doctor who truly understands the particular difficulties of their lives. Many women struggle with the need to juggle multiple roles. They may be working full-time outside the home, while at the same time carrying a second full-time job of mother, wife, cook, cleaner and CEO of the family! They may wonder if they are present enough for their children. They may find themselves exhausted and irritable with the people they love the most. They may become anxious or depressed.

People may feel embarrassed and reluctant to talk about some of their symptoms and behaviors, and are often relieved to learn that many others suffer in similar ways. Dr. Haxton helps patients to change the patterns of thought and behavior that are causing shame, humiliation and pain.  

Anxiety may be amenable to psychotherapy. Understanding the triggers and precipitating events can help patients get control over their anxiety. Similarly, sleep disorders and eating disorders are often helped by psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy may be helpful to individuals struggling with issues related to gender and sexual orientation.

In partnering with Dr. Haxton, patients can look forward to their future with deeper understanding of themselves, with better skill in managing their interpersonal relationships and with enhanced purpose and effectiveness at meeting their life goals.

PSYCHOTHERAPY APPROACH

Dr. Haxton treats a wide array of psychiatric illness. Treatment plans are individualized to meet your particular needs.

In addition to talking therapy and medication, the treatment may include cognitive behavioral (CBT) interventions.   Dr. Haxton often incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)  into her work with patients, particularly those suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder.

Helping patients to adopt healthy lifestyle changes is a part of Dr. Haxton's approach. She provides education and guidance regarding diet, sleep, exercise and routine medical care.

Meditation is a skill that can help patients feel more control over their feelings, more calm and less anxious.  Dr. Haxton can help  you incorporate regular meditation practice into your life.

Psychotherapy ranges from supportive -- that is,  helping the individual manage the stressors and obstacles of every day life -- to a more reflective process. This insight oriented type of therapy is intended to help patients look inward to identify maladaptive  patterns in their thoughts, feelings, and  behavior.  

Through understanding comes insight. Through insight comes change.
 

PSYCHOTHERAPY SESSIONS

INITIAL EVALUATION
The first meeting usually consists of two 50-minute sessions back to back. This large block of time allows Dr. Haxton to thoroughly explore your reason for seeking treatment and to establish treatment goals and plans.

With teenagers or young adults, Dr. Haxton may conduct this initial consultation with the parents in order to obtain all relevant medical, developmental , family and social history.

REGULAR SESSIONS                            Dr. Haxton sees all patients for full sessions and does not do "medication management" only.  Most of her patients are not in therapy elsewhere, but if someone comes to the practice already in a productive psychotherapy relationship with another therapist, this is certainly acceptable. Dr. Haxton does not work in a supervisory capacity with non-M.D. therapists but welcomes the opportunity for a collegial relationship.

Patients are seen for 50-minute sessions on a schedule ranging from twice weekly to every 3-4 months. Patients on controlled substances are seen at least monthly. Teenagers and young adults are seen no less than monthly, as well. A lot can change in the life of a teenager in a few weeks!