Dr. Fran Miller

Psychotherapy

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INTEGRATION

It is very frustrating to address psychological and spiritual growth in two separate arenas and if help is needed, to seek help from two different consultants – usually a psychotherapist and a minister or spiritual director. I specialize in bringing the two areas of growth and development together and interweaving attention to both areas. Though I work with clients of many religious and spiritual traditions, the focus of my own study and practice is on the integration of psychotherapy and spiritual growth with the aid of Buddhist philosophy and meditation practice.

Stages

Psychological growth and spiritual development takes place within the three phases of 1) disorder and addiction, 2) existential issues of isolation, meaning, willing, responsibility, and death; and 3) spiritual development. Psychotherapy and consultation can address each of these phases in both a consecutive and interwoven fashion. Each area of development beautifully enhances and facilitates the others.  

Integrated Psychotherapy

I work sometimes with just a focus on psychological issues. But as therapy progresses, inevitably some spiritual issues come up. It is helpful to be able to address both areas with the same professional, and to work with each issue that comes up in an integrated way. I address issues that regularly come up in the growth process, looking at each one from the psychological and then the spiritual/Zen Buddhist perspective.   Whether you are working on matters that contribute to anxiety or depression, self-esteem, career development, creativity, or any of the other reasons that you might be coming to therapy, we can address each issue from both perspectives. My clients have very different religious and spiritual perspectives. I work with them within the context that is their framework. It may be Catholic, Jewish, Protestant, or Eastern.  

Spirituality

In my writing, I define spirituality according to the phrase quoted of Yamada Koun Roshi, “The practice of Zen is the perfection of character.” Spirituality is not an interest in something. It is not talking about or reading something. Spirituality is not even dreaming about something. Spirituality is actually working towards integrating values into one’s life, and manifesting those values as behavior. It is being something. When interest, talking, reading, and dreaming moves into behavior, begins to be integrated into behavior, that is when the real work begins. I specialize in helping you with this process.  

I am a provider for many insurance companies. We will discuss insurance and fees when you call for an appointment.

Dr. Fran Miller

Group Psychotherapy

Group therapy is offered during specific time frames and when there are a sufficient number of participants to form a group. Group participation can be billed to insurance companies.

Group Topics: 

  • The practice of mindfulness and beginning a meditation practice.
  • The integration of religious, existential, and spiritual issues with group therapy. 
  • Therapists’ Support Group emphasizing mindfulness and meditation.

Adolescent Psychotherapy

I see older adolescents who are “acting in” rather than “acting out”; in other words teens with issues of identity, self esteem, anxiety, depression, social anxiety, and obsessive tendencies. I am particularly interested in seeing adolescents who are gifted or who are working earnestly on academic achievement and preparing for higher education.

Marital and Family Psychotherapy

Marital (couples counseling) and family therapy are billed as Family Psychotherapy (90847). In marital therapy the issues addressed include history of the relationship, family history of each partner, personality dynamics, communication patterns, non violent communication skills, empathic listening instruction, education and practice of negotiation techniques, and the importance of resolution. In family therapy, family dynamics, members’ roles in the family, personality issues, and communication patterns are all addressed. “Family Rules” are sometimes implemented when needed for family discipline.

Individual Psychotherapy

I provide individual psychotherapy to a variety of age groups: teenagers who are “acting in” rather than “acting out”; in other words teens with issues of identity, self esteem, anxiety, depression, social anxiety, and obsessive tendencies. I work with adults, couples, and the elderly. Issues that are often addressed are identity, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, social anxiety, obsessive tendencies, critical incident stress, post traumatic stress disorder, relationship history, current relationships, decision-making, transitions, health related issues, the development of physical fitness, creativity, and religious and spiritual issues.