WELCOME TO DIRECT APPROACH PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

This is the web site for Direct Approach Psychological Services and Dr. Cheryl McCarthy.
Dr. McCarthy is a licensed psychologist with 18 years of experience.

Welcome to my website. Below is a summary of my beliefs regarding therapy, and my treatment philosophy. Please feel free to contact me with questions at 610-519-0914

WORKING WITH MY PATIENTS
I use a very "direct approach" to treatment (See below for a further description). However, most of my treatment is directed at helping patients to change negative perceptions creating symptoms or struggles in their lives. To change these perceptions, I use a variety of techniques including (but not limited to) the following:

INSIGHT ORIENTED WORK: Although some of you may be thinking that you already have insight into your problems (and I don't doubt this), an important part of my work is to enhance that insight by providing you with objective rather than subjective feedback about yourself, your problems, your symptoms, your goals, etc.

COGNITIVE THERAPY: In my view, cognitive therapy means helping patients to increase their awareness of cognitive distortions and then, helping them to create and improve new more positive cognitions. That is, I help you to understand what it is about how you are thinking that is contributing to the way that you may be feeling or acting. Once we have it figured out, we work on rearranging your thoughts and perceptions so that you can feel or act in different ways that lesson your symptoms or struggles in life.

BEHAVIORAL THERAPY: To me, behavioral therapy involves having patients take "safe" behavioral risks, one risk at a time. That is, I will challenge you to face and confront any fears that may be maintaining your symptoms or life struggles, beginning with the smallest fear and working our way up to the most frigtening fears.

IMPROVING SELF ESTEEM: Although not all patients need to improve self esteem, many of you will benefit from some self esteem work. Thus, you and I will decide if this is appropriate and if so, we will work systematically to change thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, getting in the way of your feeling good about yourself.

RELAXATION/HYPNOTHERAPY: For some patients, traditional therapy can be enhanced by providing hypnotherapy and/or relaxation tapes. I make these tapes based on individual needs and only if the patient chooses to work with this modality. I have found this modality to be very helpful for patients who have had a great deal of therapy experience without real results.

SPIRITUALITY: My treatment approach is not based on any organized religion or religious approach. However, for those of you who are comfortable with the idea of spirituality in your life, it is helpful to include this spirituality in our treatment rather than ignoring your beliefs.

MY TREATMENT PHILOSOPHY

The "direct approach" style of treatment is so different from other forms of treatment that it would take over 100 pages to describe it. However, to summarize quickly, my "direct approach" can be described as follows:

Patients that come to see me are provided with direct honest, real feedback. I don't waste anyone's time (mine or yours) asking "Mm, and how does that make you feel?" Instead, I
engage my clients in an interactive discussion without watching the clock and while maintaining eye contact. I provide choices, help patients to see the entire picture, and challenge patients to challenge themselves to improve their lives.

I consider my patients to be partners in their care rather than subordinates. That is, although I am fully aware that I am the expert in psychotherapy and I don't expect you to be, I also respect the fact that you have a voice and you are free to use it in my office. I am not the parent and you are not the child; we are a team. Coming to therapy is a hard enough decision. It is my goal to have you feel as relaxed and safe as possible when you come to see me.

With my "direct approach", the expression "what you see is what you get" comes to mind. To me, this means, I don't keep secrets from my clients. You don't have to guess what I'm thinking because I'll tell you. That means, I'll tell you why I believe you are experiencing symptoms or life struggles and I'll suggest alternatives to help you through these struggles.

DISORDERS/DIAGNOSES TREATED

Depression
Anxiety
Anorexia Nervosa
Bulimia
Bipolar Disorder
Obssessive Compulsive Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Impulse Control Disorders
Compulsive Shopping/Spending
Women's Issues
Relationship Issues
Marital Problems
Divorce Issues
Life Transitions
Workplace Issues
Grief and Loss
Coping with Chronic Illness
Caregiver Issues

Cheryl McCarthy provides individual, marital, and family therapy. Dr. McCarthy received a Ph.D. from Temple University and a Master's Degree from West Chester University. She was licensed as a psychologist in the State of PA in 1992. Following the receipt of her license, she worked as a psychologist in two large outpatient agencies while also serving in supervisory positions in both of these settings. In December, 1993, Dr. McCarthy established a private practice. Her office is currently located at the following address:

280 North Providence Road
Media, PA 19063

To schedule an appointment or for further information, please contact Dr. McCarthy at 610-519-0914