Psychotherapy is not easily described in general statements. It varies, depending on the personality of both the therapist and the client, and the particular problems which the client brings. There are a number of different approaches which can be used to care for your problems. It is not like visiting a medical doctor, in that it requires a very active effort on your part. In order to be most successful, you will have to work on the things talked about during sessions, at home.

Psychotherapy has both benefits and risks. Psychotherapy has been shown to have benefits for people who undertake it. Therapy often leads to a significant reduction in feelings of distress, resolutions of specific problems and better relationships. But there are no guarantees about what will happen. Risks sometimes include experiencing uncomfortable feelings such as sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger and frustration, loneliness or helplessness. Psychotherapy often requires recalling unpleasant aspects of your life.

The first few sessions with your therapist will involve an evaluation of your needs. By the end of the evaluation sessions, your therapist will be able to offer you some initial impressions of what your work will include, and an initial treatment plan to follow, if you decide to continue. You should evaluate this information along with your own assessment about whether you feel comfortable working with your therapist. Therapy can involve a large commitment of time, money, and energy, so you should be very careful about the therapist you select.

If you have questions about your therapist's procedures, you should raise them as they occur. If your doubts persist, your therapist will be happy to help you to secure an appropriate consultation with another mental health professional. Sexual contact between therapist and client is never appropriate.

There are many different kinds of psychological evaluations. The type of evaluation used depends on the referral question or the information required. Some types of evaluation are intellectual assessment, attention deficit disorder evaluation, drug and alcohol evaluation, personality assessment, parenting assessment. We are often asked to do evaluations for courts, schools, or other diagnostic purposes. An evaluation usually involves one or more hours of face to face interventions. It may include formal testing followed by a written report to the requesting agency. We charge for all of our time - face to face, testing, test scoring and interpretation and the writing of reports. Some insurance companies will NOT pay for these procedures especially if there is no diagnosis or an emotional problem. They may also not pay for some part of the process.

Crisis management is a short term intervention following a critical incident or traumatic event. It usually involves 1-3 sessions and may occur in the office or be contracted for as an on-site service. This is often arranged through the EAP program at a company or other organization.

In the State of New Hampshire, alcohol and drug evaluation and/or counseling may be performed by either a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) or a Licensed Psychologist with an American Psychological Association Certificate in the Proficiency of Treatment of Alcohol and Psychoactive Substance Abuse Disorders. Dr. Hastings holds this APA certificate. Persons are often required to go for drug or alcohol counseling following a DWI and suspension of a driver's license. We do not have groups for this, but see persons individually. Most insurances will cover this type of service.

Dr. Hastings has been trained in the most widely used model of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), the one developed by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) or often referred to as the Mitchell Model. This is a comprehensive, integrated, strategic, multi-component system and includes components such as defusing, debriefing, demobilization and, one-on-ones. This method is used after a traumatic or critical incident. For more general information go to www.icisf.org.

Dr. Hastings has provided training and/presentations for a number of organizations including AFT Healthcare, Merrimack Exchange Club, Nashua Exchange Club, Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team, Rhode Island Disaster Medical Team, American Red Cross, National Disaster Medical Services, New Hampshire Disaster Behavioral Health Response Team, Granite State Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team. She is an approved instructor for the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) and teaches the following ICISF courses: Dr. Hastings does presentations and workshops for the American Red Cross. They include Disaster Mental Health, Psychological First Aid, Working with Total Diversity and Mass Casualties. These are at no charge and may be arranged through your local Red Cross Chapter. Arrangements can also be made for her to teach other specially designed courses at your organization. Most of these courses are eligible for mental health continuing education credit. Call for pricing for private presentations.

One does not need to have a mental illness to use the resources of a licensed mental health professional. There are a number of situations in which a mental health professional can be helpful to solve an organizational problem or a family squabble. At times like these, an impartial problem solver can shed some light on the situation and help one come to a fair resolution. Techniques include problem solving, conflict resolution, education on social/emotional issues.

Evaluation for the use of Alpha-Stim is provided and demonstration is available. Alpha-Stim is a small unit which sends an electrical waveform through the body. It is harmless, and non painful. Alpha-Stim is used for the treatment of pain, anxiety, depression and insomnia. There are many research studies and published reports involving people with these problems. Continued research, surveys of patients and professional endorsements all support the safety and effectiveness of Alpha-Stim. There is more research supporting Alpha-Stim than any other therapeutic device in its class, and even more than most drugs. No significant side effects have ever been reported in over twenty years of use.

Hypnosis is an altered or changed state of awareness, concentration, or perception. Hypnosis can be used to remember previously unrecalled events, reduce anxiety, cope with pain, stop smoking, increase self motivation and other uses. A popular misconception is that one is not in control when under hypnosis. In the manner that it is used in therapy, the client is always in control of the situation. Hypnosis may be self induced to achieve a relaxed state.