Contact Information Dusty Humes, Ph.D. Phone: (512)329-0952 Fax: (512)329-0231 Email: Send Email

TREATMENT ORIENTATION & THERAPY STYLE:

My doctoral training focused on treatment of some of the more difficult and tenacious problems addressed by psychotherapists: eating disorders, substance abuse, severe mood disorders, personality disorders (borderline & narcissistic), the long term effects of trauma and abuse as well as other issues which may significantly disrupt the life of a person. My early training was based on a psychodynamic understanding of human behavior: that interactions in one’s family of origin as well as other influential early experiences set the stage for our understanding of ourselves and the world. Since then, I have integrated other modes of treatment into my practice including cognitive therapy (helping the person change how they think about their interpersonal life) and family therapy (using the family as a setting for changing interpersonal interactions).  In addition, I frequently employ psychological testing and assessment as a means of better understanding the nature of the problems that my clients are facing.

My style as a therapist is quite active, using both interpretation (understanding the meaning of behavior and the purpose it plays in the client’s life) and empathic confrontation (challenging the client to take responsibility for their choices) in order to engage the individual in a dynamic change process. For clients having more longstanding problems, I frequently work collaboratively with other professionals (psychiatrists, nutritionists, providers of adjunct therapies such as group or couples’ therapy) so that we can develop a “treatment team” approach which is most likely to be effective. It is my goal that the therapy will be a truly life altering experience.

THERAPEUTIC SERVICES:

Individual Psychotherapy:
This is the treatment of choice for most persons entering therapy with either long standing problems or the more acute symptoms of depression and anxiety. With a few exceptions, I schedule sessions on a weekly basis, and at times will recommend more intensive treatment for individuals in crisis or with particularly tenacious problem behaviors (e.g. eating disorders or other compulsive behaviors).

Group Therapy:
I facilitate an ongoing group for young women in their 20’s to early 30’s who are working on developing a sense of identity separate from their families of origin, and who want to learn how to handle interpersonal relationships in a healthy manner. This is a long term group with the requirement that each group member be in her own individual therapy in addition to the group.

Family Therapy:
This is the treatment of choice for children and adolescents with conduct disorders. My style is focused on helping parents take charge appropriately, and be able to effectively set limits and communicate with their child. I also recommend family therapy as an adjunct treatment for adolescents or young adults with eating disorders as it is well documented that there are family factors that influence the outcome of this disorder.

Therapeutic Assessment:
This is a psychological evaluation which employs a combination of an extended clinical interview with psychological testing for the following purposes: (1) clarifying diagnostic dilemmas in order to provide appropriate treatment planning (including choice of medications); (2) understanding the nature of a “therapeutic impasse” (when a particular course of therapy does not seem to be achieving the expected level of success) or (3) providing a new perspective on the problem. This type of assessment can also be helpful in furnishing an individual client with a fairly rapid psychological portrait of themselves that can then be used to make further clinical decisions.  When a person has had prior treatment without significant benefits, I will often recommend an extended evaluation including psychological testing in order to better understand the needs that may not have been met in the previous therapy.

Forensic Services:
I perform pre-trial psychological assessments for persons facing criminal charges in order to determine the following: competency to stand trial;  mental status at the time of the offense (including evaluation of appropriateness of insanity defense), likelihood of symptom exaggeration; future dangerousness; and mental illness as a mitigating factor to be considered at sentencing.  For more information about my experience in these areas, please consult my professional vita which is available as a download on this page.

 
INSURANCE & PAYMENT INFORMATION:
I am not currently a preferred provider on any insurance panel, but most PPO insurance plans will cover a part of the cost of therapy for out-of-network providers. I will be happy to fill out the appropriate form for the client to submit to their insurance company. At this time, I only accept cash and personal checks for payment, due at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made in advance.

If you would like to make an initial appointment or have further questions about my services, please feel free to either call or email me.