R. TIMOTHY POLLAK, PH.D.

ABOUT YOUR THERAPIST...

"When problems get in the way of your ability to enjoy life -- whether it's a relationship issue, a work-related conflict, or an addiction -- most people find they need a little help. No one should have to go through emotional pain alone. My goal is to help you understand the problem and develop the emotional tools you need to create healthier relationships and a healthier lifestyle as quickly as possible."

A SOLID EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND ADVANCED TRAINING

"Helping people through life's challenges requires not only sensitivity, but a clear understanding of the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. For me, a good formal education is essential to being a trusted and skilled therapist. A therapist's education is an ongoing process. The more I learn, the more effective I can be in reducing my client's discomfort and better assisting them in finding quick workable solutions to their problems."

MEETING HIGH STANDARDS IN HIS PROFESSION

"Acquiring the respect of my colleagues and my clients means I am proving my abilities time and time again. And my desire to grow both personally and professionally doesn't stop there. I believe that in order to be an effective therapist, one must continually improve one's skills and knowledge. Belonging to professional organizations stimulates me to do this."

HELPING YOU CONFRONT LIFE AS IT COMES

"I like to think of the help I give as 'intermittent brief therapy' Working together we can often quickly solve the problems that confront you today. And I'm also here as sort of a life mentor -- in other words, I'm here for you whenever a new problem or crisis arises."

RUTH N. POLLAK, MSSW

ABOUT YOUR THERAPIST...

"My goal isn't to 'cure' you of anything. I'm here to help you better understand yourself and your needs. At that time, you'll be better able to accept yourself and others. And it will be easier to address your problems, allowing you to move on to a more positive future."

THE LEARNING PROCESS BEGINS IN SCHOOL...

"...and never ends! My formal education in college absorbed more than five years of my life. But, in an ever-changing world of information and accomplishment, it is necessary to spend many hours every year keeping abreast of the latest developments in relationship and child therapies."

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

Counseling professionals are licensed by the state and often certified by organizations of their peers. To obtain a license or certification, it is necessary to have a qualifying college degree, and then pass a rigid test."

STAYING INFORMED ON ADVANCES IN COUNSELING

"One way I stay up-to-date on innovations in counseling is through my professional membership in NASW. Here, I can meet with other professionals, and learn what they're doing to help kids and families. And this helps me to better help you."

PLACING A PRIORITY ON THE FAMILY

"There's a lot more to making a family work than just stopping the arguments. That's why I've made a point of acquiring a wide range of knowledge. For instance, children and their relationships to the family have always been important to me. My training has not only taken me into the realm of child and adolescent counseling but also into helping couples deal with infertility and adoption issues."