Dr. Steven Gemignani
About Therapy
Therapy is a process where the client works with a therapist to reduce troublesome symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety), change behaviors (e.g., substance abuse, anger management), better adapt to difficult situations (e.g., personal illness/health issues, or the loss of a loved one), and improve their lives in areas such as relationships, stress management and work. The path therapy follows varies depending on the therapist’s style, the client’s situation and the client’s preferences.
My approach is collaborative, direct, warm and individually tailored to each client’s unique concerns and goals. My approach also considers each client’s personal strengths and resources. Please read my Style page for more information about my approach to treatment.
What Are the Benefits?
Numerous studies have demonstrated the multiple benefits of therapy. These benefits include a marked reduction of symptoms related to depression, anxiety, and stress. Therapy may also lead to increased insight, self-awareness and self-esteem. These gains oftentimes lead to improved relationships, performance at work and ability to manage stress. The gains you can expect will depend on the specific nature of your situation (i.e., your issues and goals), the length of your treatment and the effort you invest.
How Will Our Work Progress?
During the first session, we will discuss your goals for treatment and some of your history. At the end of this session, I will provide you with an initial treatment plan and an estimate of how long treatment might take to reach your stated goals. Over the next few sessions, we will gather additional information, refine the treatment plan and begin our work to reach your goals. During these sessions we will identify your specific strengths and resources.
The duration of treatment varies for each client and depends on the nature of the challenges you face and goals you set. As mentioned above, we will discuss how long treatment might take at the end of our first session. Some specific issues may require a relatively short time commitment (e.g., 8-12 weeks). Addressing more complex issues and/or entrenched personality or behavioral patterns may require more of a time commitment. My clinical experience has shown that a majority of clients begin to feel significantly better and make progress on their goals after approximately 5-8 sessions. I strongly encourage my clients to ask any questions they have about their treatment and how it is progressing.
Steven Gemignani, Psy.D. Hayes Valley - 333 Hayes Street, Suite 103, San Francisco, CA