Previously I have discussed what it means to be a licensed psychologist and the importance of finding a good marriage counselor. I am Dr. Gunzburg in Baltimore, Maryland and I would like to go over my beliefs as a marriage therapist. This is also an important aspect of choosing a therapist. Make sure you choose a therapist with marriage-friendly beliefs.
What makes each therapist unique are the beliefs each one holds, the emphasis each of us places on one relationship aspect versus another and the way each of us presents and applies the information to your relationship problems.
Some marriage therapists are more passive while others are more active and directive. I am on the more directive side. I don't just sit back and let you argue or flounder--you've probably been doing too much of that anyway. This brings me to some of my beliefs which directly impact the way I help relationships in trouble.
These are some of my beliefs as a therapist that might differ from what you might experience elsewhere.
I believe it is important to live up to your highest character and ethics. Clients have told me that other marriage counselors justified or excused unethical behavior.
I believe it is important to work out your marriage relationship, if you are married, and if it is at all possible.
I have been told about other counselors who begin treatment saying something like "I will consider this successful treatment whether you stay
together or divorce." I take a clear stand in favor of your marriage.
I believe it is important to learn alternative behaviors to help you avoid angry feelings in the first place.
Clients tell me that they were instructed by other counselors to "Let your anger out; don't bottle up your feelings."
I don't mean that when you are angry you don't show it. Instead, I intend to teach you how to reduce the frequency and intensity of of your angry feelings so you mostly don't feel angry in the first place, and then you don't have to cover up your feelings. I believe that partners should be best friends to each other and not treat each other like enemies.
I believe it is important in counseling to learn good communication skills with each other.
I believe it is important to practice discussing personally difficult issues with each other under my guidance. The message I hear too often goes something like "We got really good at talking to the marriage counselor and telling her our problems, but we never felt that our communication with each other improved."
The particular schools I went to are not as important as what I can do to help your relationship.
However, let me fill you in on those details. My Bachelor's (BS) and Master's (MS) degrees are from Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA)
and my Doctor's (PhD) degree is from American University (Washington, DC).
I live with my wife and one daughter in Baltimore, Maryland.
My other five children are adults and live independently. We have nine grandchildren and counting. I am the first person in my family born in the United States. I was raised in Richmond, VA. My personal interests include nutrition and other health-related subjects, crafts, computers, photography, recreational reading, and outdoor activities including bicycling and walking.
My office is in Pikesville, Maryland, which is part of Baltimore and near Owings Mills, Maryland. Do you want to find out more about how I would work with your marriage difficulties? Read the rest of this website to find out. Here are some links to start.
