Kelly Tonelli, Psy.D.

Psychotherapy - or "talk therapy" - is an effective treatment for many psychiatric conditions. Therapy is also a process of relating to another individual, and through that relationship, effecting change in one's life. Dr. Tonelli is trained in solution-focused, family systems, and cognitive behavioral therapies. She will work with you to find the type of therapy that best suits your needs.

What Can Psychotherapy Offer?

 Therapy can help you:

• Reduce stress in your life
• Learn better, more adaptive coping mechanisms
• Change maladaptive patterns in your life
• Increase your self awareness and self esteem
• Give you a new perspective on problems with family, friends, or co-workers
• Help you communicate and interact more productively with people in your life

Types of Psychotherapy Treatments

There are many different types of therapy. Here are some of the most common.

Cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy all focus on how your own thoughts and behaviors contribute to your current situation. You will learn new ways to react to situations and challenge your preconceptions. You might come up with concrete goals. You might also get 'homework' assignments, like keeping a journal, or applying problem-solving techniques in particular situations.

Interpersonal therapy focuses on how your relationships with other people play a role in your current situation. This type of therapy focuses on practical issues. You will learn how to recognize unhealthy behaviors and change them.

Group therapy gives you a chance to talk about your difficulties with other people who might have a similar condition. A therapist leads the group, which is what makes it different from a support group.

While there are many types of therapy, don't worry too much about the approach. The important part is finding a therapist whom you like and trust. Many therapists, including Dr. Tonelli, use a combination of approaches.

While some people only need therapy for short periods of time, some people might need it for longer (to lower your risk of relapse, continue to maintain improvements or to continue with the work of self-exploration and increased self-awareness). Together, you and Dr. Tonelli will determine the appropriate length of therapy for your particular case.

Assessment - a comprehensive testing situation in which information is gathered through completion of survey instruments, cognitive and academic ability scales, interviews with the client and various other involved parties (i.e., parents, spouse, physicians, teachers, etc.), and projective tasks.

What can be learned through the completion of an assessment:

• Diagnostic clarification (i.e., appropriateness of an Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder diagnosis)
• Identification of any Learning Disabilities
• Clarification of treatment goals and interventions necessary to meet those goals
• Tracking symptom progression and relative effectiveness of any treatment interventions
• Determination if prescribed medications are continuing to be helpful based on objective measures

Contact Dr. Tonelli: dr_tonelli@kellytonelli.com

Email is provided for general questions about Dr. Tonelli's practice.  Please be aware that email is not a secure, confidential medium of communication; third parties may intercept, view and store your confidentail information.  In addition, messages may not be received or responded to promptly.  No emergency evaluation or treatment recommendations are provided via e-mail.