Dr. Kevin Metz is a licensed psychologist; he has a doctoral and master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in San Francisco, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UNC-Chapel Hill. Dr. Metz provides individual, family, and couples therapy, in addition to psychological assessment services, for people struggling with a wide array of challenges in their lives. He has experience working in a broad variety of settings, including mental health clinics, outreach services within the community, and university counseling centers.
INTERVENTION STYLE:
Dr. Metz’s approach to psychotherapy is that of a humanist; he believes the goal of effective therapy is the facilitation of the client’s sense of realizing their unique potential. Thus, Dr. Metz attempts to allow his clients a good deal of supported autonomy and responsibility in their work together. Within that framework, however, he may utilize many precise techniques, including talk therapy, journaling, meditation, role-play, dream work, guided imagery, education including recommended readings, and other methods. Dr. Metz’s approach is very client-centered and he works with different people in different ways. Therefore, he prioritizes taking the time to learn about the people he works with so the therapy can be grounded in how they see themselves, their journey, and their values.
Dr. Metz was trained in and implements an intentional integrative therapeutic style, and thus incorporates cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and Gestalt methods in his therapy. His work and personal life are also deeply informed by mindfulness and meditation techniques, and he utilizes these techniques with most clients. In addition, Dr. Metz recognizes and embraces the profound experience of a therapeutic relationship, and understands that a fully accepting and non-judgmental relationship can in and of itself be a precipitant to change. Thus, his work typically includes a curious exploration of what occurs in the therapeutic room.
Dr. Metz has also been trained in depth in mindfulness- and acceptance- based theories and techniques, and has extensive experience incorporating these concepts into his psychotherapy. This training has included week-long experiential seminars based on Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Insight Dialogue, in addition to others. He has facilitated meditation groups, led meditation-oriented outreach presentations to the community, and studied a number of different perspectives on mindfulness. His dissertation research explored the relationship between authenticity and mindfulness, results supporting there is a relationship between the two.
EXPERTISE WITH ADULTS: Dr. Metz has experience providing brief, solution-focused therapy addressing specific symptoms, in addition to experience providing long-term psychotherapy oriented towards characterological change. His clinical experience includes particular interests and expertise in mood challenges, the process of adolescent and young adult individuation, couples therapy, and the journey of self-actualization. He has worked with adult clients confronted with a multitude of challenges including anxiety (both specific and generalized), depression, bi-polar disorder, substance abuse, relationship difficulties, trauma, phobias, identity development, self-esteem issues, gender transitions, disordered eating, sexual performance difficulties, stress management, parenting challenges, grief work, and an array of other issues.
Dr. Metz has extensive experience addressing concerns related to substance use and abuse. Some of these concerns include overuse, self-medication, effects of use on relationships, the loss of healthy coping skills, consequences on academic/work performance, and relapse prevention. He believes substance use is an issue that can permeate many aspects of one’s daily life, and comprehensive treatment explores all these areas.
EXPERTISE WITH CHILDREN & FAMILIES: Dr. Metz has a particular interest in working with children and their families. His clients report that he is able to make them feel comfortable and he is able to connect with them on a deep level, and that ability extends to his work with children. His clinical work has addressed many issues relevant to children and adolescents coming of age in today’s society including childhood anxiety and depression, trauma, academic performance issues, challenges related to the autistic spectrum, emotional regulation, issues arising from divorce, social skills, disordered eating, and the process of adolescent individuation.
Dr. Metz believes that comprehensive family care is typically a key component to thorough, lasting work with children and adolescents. Thus, he views the client’s symptoms in terms of the familial system and may make recommendations regarding home life. He prioritizes making a thorough assessment of the role the reported symptom plays within the family system, and adjusting his work accordingly.
PERSONAL: Dr. Metz is a member of the American Psychological Association. He spends his time outside the office milling about the Triangle with his family, friends, and pug Sebastian. He enjoys kayaking local rivers, camping at state parks, exploring local golf courses, in meditation, and playing the guitar. He has been fortunate to have travelled extensively around the world, and those experiences inform his personal and professional life.