MISSION STATEMENT:

The Open Mind For Psychotherapy & Accurate Differential Diagnosis

I wish to be clear that my practice/intervention style is based on the foundations of classical analytic education and training but as years, of experience, exposure to real life, and ongoing training, my views on theory and practice have become eclectic, and now draw on many different philosophies, styles of treatment technique, and metaphysical concepts that go beyond family history and personal trauma.

I see individuals, families, adults, and children in whatever configuration of session appears relevant to the current needs presented. This means I may see a married couple individually & jointly, children with one or both parents and individually, or siblings with each other and without their parents - and then with their parents - based on the issues, needs and desires of the client, in conjunction with my recommendations.

Treatment is a work in progress. It deals with the essential issues of trust, communication, and the mutual ability to work through other issues as they appear. The treatment relationship is the microcosm of a life lived, needing to be explored and understood with a new perspective, and released so that one may move on to new experiences of life, love, work, and play.

Critical to any diagnostic evaluation is a medical/psychiatric history to understand/rule out biological issues that occur in even extremely young children. Mood disorders may occur as a result of genetic family history and must be considered especially in dealing with young children who present with oppositional/angry to irritable or sad moods. Just as adults are reviewed for medical interventions when indicated, children must be allowed the same options for respite from extreme pain and distress stemming from physical disorders. Behavioral interventions for children who suffer from early childhood mood disorders, or other physically based issues - attention deficit disorders, hyperactivity disorders is, in my opinion, a cruel, chronic punishment that withholds much needed treatment.

When properly prescribed, appropriate medical intervention rapidly eradicates the problem targeted and facilitates further interventions - if needed. The alternate issue of concern is that when children's difficult symptoms disappear, the parents often feel that no further treatment contact is needed - and this is not true. If children are on medication for any issue, the parent(s) need to maintain contact with the therapist physician/pediatrician to monitor and/or discontinue medication, as well as to have the contact if their services or anothers services are ever needed in the future.

Another issue of great concern in my practice is the empowerment of children. Children are well able to articulate what they think, feel, want, fear, and enjoy - even from a very early age. Interference with a child's developing capacity to have his or her own thoughts, feelings, ideas, and desires - whether one agrees or disagrees with them (within generally socially accepted norms) - I see as a destructive pattern of behavior and a lack of respect for another's individuality and developing identity.

Issues of parental alienation and, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse are well understood and identified in my practice. I always attempt to therapeutically mediate any and all disputes between parents and children, when at all possible, to reach a consensus - but my primary concern is always the best interest of children.

The major tenets of long-term intensive treatment are:
1. That which is not resolved is repeated.
2. The end of analysis is forgetting - all trauma is resolved and repressed.
3. The ability to love, work, play - unambivalently - has been accomplished.

These are the goals that I strive to achieve with/for all those whom I see in treatment, with the hope that the relationship and work yields the success and pleasure.

Jill G. Jones-Soderman - LCSW, Psychoanalyst, Psychotherapist,
Family Therapist, Forensic Counselor