Robert D. Gregory, Ph.D. Psychologist Wilson North Carolina

About my practice

My practice emphasizes the importance of psychological evaluation to determine the nature of a child's or adolescent's true problem/s that are often manifested by a confusing array of behaviors.  I believe that whenever a child, adolescent, or adult is not progressing with their normal developmental tasks, the therapist needs to identify why the individual is stuck in order to suggest remedies which can enable developmental progress.  The better a person understands their problems the more active and effective they can be in the therapy process.

The goal of psychological intervention is to assist the person to learn how best to understand, address and manage problems so that one can regain control of his/her life.

The treatment approach that I use depends on the needs, abilities, and preferences of the person that I am seeing.  Education and support are part of the process.  Cognitive behavioral and insight oriented strategies are generally used with children, adolescents, and adults.  Behavioral management plans are usually developed with the parents of children and sometimes with the parents of adolescents.  Life style changes and corrections to faulty thinking patterns are suggested for people dealing with anxiety and depression.  Relaxation techniques are often devloped for clients dealing with anxiety.

Areas not included in my practice are substance abuse, schizophrenia, and custody visitation determination.

Expectations for Therapy

If you have not been to a psychologist before, going to one can be frightening because you don't know what to expect.  Let me reduce your fear by explaining what to expect when you come to see me.  

Before seeing me, I will ask you to complete some forms.  You may download these forms from this site and complete them before your appointment or come early for your appointment and obtain them from my assistant.

If you are bringing your child, I will need to obtain historical information about your child first.  I will need to know what is going on in your child's life and what isn't.  I will need your ideas about what the problems are, what you have tried, what has helped and what hasn't.

I will then need to talk privately with your child.  I have a play room with a variety of activities (interactive games, doll houses, small pool table, nurf basketball, etc.)  If your child (like most) talks better while doing something, we will engage in an activity while we talk.  If your child prefers to sit and talk without an activity we will do that.

I do encourage the participation of both parents.  If the parents are divorced or separated, I will need to solicit the involvement of the parent with whom the child is not living.

If the nature of the problem is not clear after my initial talk with the parent and child then psychological testing will be needed to determine the problem.  A treatment plan will be recommended and discussed.

For adults a similar process is followed.  I prefer to have an initial meeting to get historical information. to get to know the person and the big picture.  I then want to know the particular problems that need to be addressed.  Psychological testing may be needed to determine the true nature of the problem.  Several visits may be needed in order to detrmine the best treatment plan.  The treatment plan will then be discussed and agreed upon.