As you look through this website, you will see information and some of my perspectives to help you determine if I am a good fit for you to work with in psychotherapy. Certainly choosing the right psychologist is an important decision and provides the basis for productive psychotherapy. The relational aspects between you and your psychotherapist include trust, respect, and rapport. These characteristics provide the foundation in developing a safe and nonjudgmental environment to work through issues and promote personal growth.
Working with a psychologist can stir discomfort as we look at ourselves and peel back the layers on issues, yet it is ultimately rewarding when successful psychotherapy helps improve our life and our relationships. Often I am asked about the difficulty in changing ourselves. I respond that a small adjustment often results in a big change. We don't necessarily change who we are but we become more emotionally in tune with ourselves and others, improve our resiliency, are better able to work through problems, and we become increasingly considered in our thinking and act more deliberately.
I am a licensed psychologist with over 20 years experience providing psychotherapy to individuals and couples in Winter Park and greater Orlando, Florida. I have been in continuous private practice in Winter Park since 1997. I work with adults from a wide range of backgrounds, and with a variety of issues and situations. Some patients are dealing with depression, anxiety, situational stress, trauma and relationship problems; while others may be focusing on improving peak performance in business and athletic endeavors. Before becoming a psychologist, I was a world-ranked professional athlete who competed on the professional tennis tour, which provides me first hand experience in peak performance issues in addition to my clinical psychology training. I draw from this experience to work with a vast range of performance concerns in sports, music, business and other demanding professions.
- David Carter, Psy.D.