About My Practice

Thanks for your interest. My practice is located in the Landmark section of Alexandria, VA, just off I-395 at Duke Street. You can reach me by phone at 703-705-6161.

As you can probably tell from these pages I take a very positive approach to life's problems and attempt to see them in practical but realistic terms. Psychotherapy is not about "fixing broken people," it is about helping individuals to cope and thrive amidst difficulties that are usually not their own doing. I learn a lot from my clients and respect them, and I count it a privilege to do the work I do.

My style of therapy is very active, taking the lead from my clients wishes and needs. We usually formulate a plan of treatment together. I support, cheer, and encourage them to take calculated risks and help them decide what they need to do next for themselves. The therapy process is a partnership...my job as a professional is to be present, available, and competent. I do not cross the line between professional and social relationships. That is for the safety of both the client and myself.

Training

I was fortunate to have a broad basis of training in graduate school. As a result, I am committed to approaching problems from a thoughts and feelings and behavior basis. My most basic training is in psychodynamic therapy, which means I have solid training in family dynamics and how they affect individuals growing up.

My training included practical work in school psychology, at an inpatient psychiatric hospital, and at an outpatient clinic at a major teaching hospital. In these situations I had the privilege of working with a variety of children, adolescents, and adults. In training I worked with one individual who had dissociative identity disorder (multiple personality) as well as numerous cases related to sexual and emotional abuse.

Presently I have my own individual practice in Alexandria, VA. In order to keep some variety in my practice I have also been a consultant for a geriatric psychology group, have performed psychological interviews for fire and police applicants in Washington,

DC and Fairfax County, and have been the clinical coordinator for a mental health clinic treatment program for men recovering from sexual compulsion.

My Philosophy of Practice

One of my most basic philosophies of practice is to "put the cookies on the lower shelf." By that I mean that the psychotherapy process does not have to be mysterious or strange. The basic concepts should be understandable to the client. Goals are clearly stated, tasks between therapy sessions may be assigned, and an honest and open working realtionship is established.

Therapy is not all dry and sad in my office. My clients and I laugh when things are funny, and I have been teased more than once. But when it is time to be serious, which is the vast majority of the time, then the mood is serious. I do not view people as problems, but suggest that people have problems. The problems people bring to me are serious and are treated that way. I hear stories of people who have seen therapists who minimized their difficulties. As I have said elsewhere in these pages, your feelings are important, not because they are right or wrong, but because they are yours.

Thinking About Seeking Help?

If you feel that I may be of help to you, do not hesitate to call. A call is not a commitment. We can sit down and discuss your concerns and see what seems best for you. A one-session consultation can be a good investment in your future, regardless of whether we work together on an ongoing basis. We can seek to identify the nature of your difficulties and map out a strategy for you to get beyond them.

David C. Bissette, Psy.D. Alexandria, VA 703-705-6161