Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Carolina Pataky.
Dr. Pataky, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The development of the institute and my work has been a gift. I have dedicated my life to helping others learn the tools that I myself was never taught. My own upbringing lacked the sufficient ingredients necessary for me to form, nourish and understand what healthy relationships were. I had to really study my own family and my own patterns and defenses just to begin to grasp some of what can affect relationships. Pairing years of my own inner work with what I’ve learned academically and in private practice has allowed me to focus on the relational dynamics that most of us desire. As I became enamored with the psychology behind relationships, I felt a calling and a responsibility to help individuals and couples access hidden layers of themselves and of their relationships. Part of our job as psychotherapists is to help individuals identify or see their own blindsides. However, when we understand that much of what we’re refusing to see or experience may be a defense against the re-experiencing of early wounds, we find that we keep healthy and open love away.
This, of course, is just one aspect, but the explorations we dive into in therapy help those dealing with life transitions, family communication, affairs, betrayals, intimacy concerns, early trauma, divorce, and sexual problems. When we decided to open up the institute, we had a larger mission to address. At the time, we felt that most mental health clinics focused their work on individual psychopathology or would attempt to temporarily address symptomatology. While this is needed in some cases, most of us are products of the relationships we had at home and a factor to the relationships we are trying to carry on today. Understanding this is essential to how and why our relationships either work or fail. Without knowing what we’re bringing in, it will be difficult to allow ourselves to be truly authentic and intimate in ways that really connect us. Our work at the institute focuses on the relational root and dynamics that must be uncovered and explored for long term resolution and relational success. Together, these concepts appeal to those seeking individual or couples therapy and have contributed to our growth.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Every struggle has taught us something. Most of us fall into the pattern of doing the same thing over and over again, without ever attempting to nudge things in a different direction. When COVID-19 hit, we had to quickly rethink our business model, knowing that our traditional model of therapy was going to be in jeopardy. We decided to implement a HIPAA secured video service that allowed us to do Telehealth. While this initially presented some technical challenges, everyone adjusted.
Our clients really enjoyed the convenience of the service and we as therapists really enjoyed working with clients in their own home. We noticed that most clients felt more at ease and acted as they would normally. We got to see their interactions with their kids or other family members with added a new layer to our work with them. During that time, we got involved with the community offering free support groups and really began touching on other topics such as grief, anxiety and loss, which also helped us. Life will always have some surprises which can be out of our control. Our ability to adapt and face change rather than giving in to the challenges is something COVID can teach us all.
Please tell us about Love Discovery Institute.
The Love Discovery Institute is an elite emotional and cognitive wellness center focusing on intimacy, relationships and self-discovery. Bringing together South Florida’s leading authorities in the field, the institute incorporates a holistic approach to treat the mind, body, and soul. We have two absolutely amazing locations with a third on the way. One location is in the heart of the Gables, and the other is located at the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort. The Gables location is steps away from great shops and dining, while clients at the Carillon can enjoy complimentary amenities offered at the resort before or after their session. We are also proud to announce that the Brickell office will soon serve our clients as well.
In addition to our amazing locations, the Love Discovery Institute offers a boutique therapeutic experience. Our clinicians stray away from insurance-based models that devalue and limit your care. Unfortunately, the limitations surrounding insurance payments to clinicians have discouraged quality clinicians from accepting insurance. This has left the mental health professionals in two camps, those who have to see 40+ insurance clients in order to make a living or those who are able to see fewer clients through a self-pay model. When a therapist is unable to fully engage with the client, the quality of care surrounding an individual or couple’s case is deeply affected. A clinician who is taking on 40 clients, is essentially working for the insurance company and has little time to take care of their patients. Remembering a client’s concern or the delicate threads behind their story is a therapeutic impossibility.
Additionally, the insurance company often wants the therapist to share what is discussed in what we feel is a very delicate and confidential relationship. While the therapists are not to blame, the model itself keeps therapy at the surface. Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, is the predominant model used here as it attempts to heal deep problems in 8-12 hours by simply restructuring or questioning an erroneous or maladaptive belief. While CBT has been found helpful, it focuses on a person’s symptoms with little exploration of their relational world or their history. Insurance companies love this, but the care is subpar in comparison to a therapeutic process. In contrast, a therapist with half the caseload can have time to conceptualize, continue to read, learn, expand their abilities, and do some self-care, all of which contribute to quality over quantity clinician. At the Love Discovery Institute, we value client care and privacy to be at the forefront of our offering. While some care is better than no care, we strive to deliver optimal care to those who need and want to work with outstanding clinicians.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
While many of our therapists and I have had numerous mentors and educators throughout the years, we like to thank our clients. Most of our clients are very discerning and successful. They push us to be better clinicians and educators. They challenge us to grow as a therapist and continue learning and narrowing our focus. Without their courage and vulnerability, we would be static. They’ve really allowed us to be recognized in the community as a top-tiered wellness center.
Pricing:
- Rates vary between clinician and range between $100-$300 p/Hr.
Contact Info:
- Address: Coral Gables Office
2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd Suite 300 Coral Gables, FL 33134
Miami Beach Office @ The Carillon Miami
6801 Collins Ave 4th Floor Miami Beach, FL 33141 - Website: www.lovediscovery.org
- Phone: 786-571-4636
- Email: info@lovediscovery.org
- Instagram: @lovediscoveryinstitute
- Facebook: @lovediscoveryinstitute
- Twitter: @lovediscoveryinstitute
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/love-discovery-institute-coral-gables
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