Our Approach to Therapy: Treat the Root Cause

Maybe you can’t stop worrying, or the worries are getting worse. You might feel a sense of dread or that bad things are going to happen. You’re either constantly on edge or you’re numbed out. It could be that holding everything together has become exhausting and you can’t understand why the things that used to help you feel better aren’t helping anymore.

You may have even tried talk therapy before but are still feeling distressed by past events. You're ready for relief and to move forward with your life but feel held back by distressing memories. You are exhausted from trying to manage the anxiety you feel, to tell yourself something positive, or to stop the negative thoughts.

Or, maybe you are in a relationship and things started out great but lately you can’t seem to stop having arguments. You are feeling alone, misunderstood, or unseen when you are with your partner. You might feel overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness and fear about the future of the relationship.

The emotional toll of persistent arguments, misunderstandings, and unmet needs might be weighing heavily on both of you, leading to feelings of sadness, frustration, and even despair. Maybe there has been a breach of trust such as infidelity or a financial betrayal. Marriages can break down from large ruptures or a thousand small ruptures from repeated unrepaired misunderstandings or emotional neglect.

The problems described above are symptoms of deeper issues, issues that won’t be resolved by behavioral management techniques. To achieve lasting change and relief we need to get to the root cause of the problems and symptoms and make changes at the deeper level. This is true of individual therapy and couple’s therapy.

Root cause analysis is a term used in the engineering field for a process used to identify the fundamental underlying reasons for a problem or issue. Rather than simply addressing the immediate symptoms, root cause analysis aims to uncover the deeper, often hidden causes that contribute to the occurrence of the problem. This type of approach has been translated to the field of medicine and mental health as well. We approach treating our clients from this framework, we don’t want to simply manage symptoms, we want to identify and treat the root cause of your issues.

Understanding the root cause of your emotional or psychological struggles is crucial because it allows for a more comprehensive and lasting healing process, rather than just temporary relief. While managing symptoms can provide immediate comfort and make daily life more bearable, it often doesn't address the underlying issues that are causing those symptoms in the first place. Identifying the root cause helps us understand the deeper, often unconscious factors driving your distress. This insight can lead to more effective and targeted interventions, ultimately fostering true, long-term healing and personal growth. By addressing the root cause, we can break the cycle of recurring symptoms, reduce the likelihood of relapse, and empower you to develop healthier coping mechanisms. This approach not only alleviates your current symptoms but also helps build a stronger foundation for future emotional resilience and well-being.