ABOUT ME
LAUREN SALETAN
With over 33 years of experience, I have worked extensively with individuals, couples, and families. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Human Development from The George Washington University in 1991, followed by a Master of Social Work from New York University in 1993. More recently, I obtained a PhD in Clinical Sexology from Modern Sex Therapy Institutes in 2023.
My work as a Psychotherapist is not just a profession, but an integral part of who I am. I find immense fulfillment in helping my clients navigate life’s challenges and witnessing their growth. Clients often comment on the enthusiasm I bring to our sessions, which I utilize to motivate them to look courageously and honestly at their lives and embark on making real changes. I am a mom to three young adult children. I love animals, being in nature, cycling, gardening and baking. I am devoted to my work as a therapist and continue my learning through exploring current research, reading extensively, attending trainings and connecting with colleagues.
Therapy Works
Understanding How Therapy Works…
Have you ever wondered what happens when we ignore our feelings and don’t express our emotions? When left unexpressed, they become trapped within us, like birds in a cage or a rabbit caught in a trap.
These trapped feelings can manifest physically, causing headaches or stomachaches and leaving us feeling tense and stressed. They can also create chaos in our lives, relationships, and jobs. Fortunately, therapy provides a safe space to release and process these emotions. Crying, for example, triggers the release of oxytocin and endorphins — commonly known as the “happy hormones.” As these chemicals flood our bodies, we begin to feel a sense of relief and relaxation. The tension in our frame diminishes, and we feel less stressed and more at ease.
Therapy is particularly beneficial for addressing stuck grief, lingering pain, or negative patterns that weigh us down. By exploring these emotions and experiences in therapy, we can uncover new perspectives and solutions to alleviate our suffering. Pain, in this sense, becomes a powerful motivator for change. Through therapy, we can transform our perspectives, release trapped emotions, and cultivate a sense of well-being and resilience. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed by emotional pain, therapy offers a path toward healing and growth.
What’s the difference?
Coaching vs Therapy
Psychotherapy and coaching are both forms of support that aim to help individuals address challenges and achieve personal growth, but they differ in their focus, approach, and scope.
Focus
- Psychotherapy: Focuses on addressing mental health issues, emotional difficulties, and psychological disorders. It delves into deep-seated issues, unresolved traumas, and underlying patterns of behavior or thought.
- Coaching: Focuses on achieving specific goals, enhancing performance, and unlocking potential. It typically targets areas such as career advancement, personal development, or achieving a particular objective.
Approach
- Psychotherapy: Utilizes therapeutic techniques and interventions to explore emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Therapists often employ evidence-based modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, or mindfulness-based approaches.
- Coaching: Employs a goal-oriented and action-focused approach. Coaches help clients set objectives, develop strategies, and take concrete steps towards achieving their goals. The focus is on accountability, motivation, and skill-building.
Scope
- Psychotherapy: Addresses a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and relationship problems. It may involve long-term treatment aimed at deep-seated issues.
- Coaching: Primarily focuses on enhancing performance and achieving specific outcomes. Coaching engagements are typically shorter-term and target-driven, often spanning several weeks or months.
In essence, psychotherapy is about understanding and healing underlying issues, while coaching is about setting and achieving specific goals. The choice depends on your needs and whether you’re looking to explore deeper emotional issues or achieve concrete objectives.