Dr. Wierzchowski was initially trained in psychodynamic, humanistic, and existential theories. Humanistic and existential theory place an emphasis on understanding the human experience and focus on the individual rather than the symptom. From these lenses, psychological struggles are seen as the result of an inhibited (blocked) ability to make authentic, meaningful, and self-directed choices about how to live. Interventions are aimed at individuals being able to increase their insight, judgments, biases, and arrive at greater understanding for themselves and the way they are living their lives. Key themes from these theories are honoring the lived experience, acceptance and growth, unconditional positive regard, taking ownership/responsibility, agency, and freedom including choice; no matter how limited (e.g. living with a progressive chronic illness) this may be in the scope of one’s lives experience.
Dr. Wierzchowski aligns with the view that human nature is basically good, with an inherent potential to maintain healthy, meaningful relationships, and to make intentional choices that are in the interest of oneself and others. The therapeutic relationship serves as a conduit for psychological growth to occur in the individual. Between humanistic and existential processes, there is a need to target conscious thoughts as well as unconscious processes and past causes, that may be impeding the inherent capacity for self-direction. The goal is to help others free themselves from disabling assumptions and attitudes, that may have been programmed and habituated for many years, so they can live fuller lives.
At times, a deeper more intrinsic approach is necessary, where existentialism requires the client to confront anxiety by choosing to think and act authentically and responsibly. Embedded in anxiety can be loneliness, isolation, hurt, fear, despair, and, thoughts of death. When this confrontation with negative beliefs and cognitions occurs, the individual may then begin to exercise choice, which puts them on the path toward living a more meaningful life. Creativity, love, authenticity, and free will are recognized as potential avenues toward transformation, enabling one to tackle uncertainty.
Additionally, Dr. Wierzchowski emphasizes the bio/psycho/social model, which exemplifies the undeniable and inseparable connection between biological, psychological, and socio-environmental factors. She couples this model with the previously mentioned training. When this model is applied to behavioral health, it demonstrates the importance of maintaining wellness in all aspects of our lives. When one or more of the factors is impacted, it can disrupt and have a direct negative effect on the other areas. One thing is certain, we all experience pain and suffering. In the same breath, we are all capable of experiencing joy and happiness. It is important to recognize that our lived experience is shaped by biology, culture, and our environment. Taken together, the goal is to forge meaning in your life and arrive at a place of understanding, acceptance, and contentment, whatever that might look like!