As a human being, we are designed for relationships and yet all too often hurt in relationships. Healing emotional wounds occurs through a supportive and positive relationship and environment. In addition to secular counseling, I offer faith-based counseling for those who are Christian and looking for counseling that integrates evidence-based therapies with Biblical principles, and does not espouse any specific denomination.
In counseling, I work alongside my clients in a team-oriented approach. I role is not to be your friend but to be a support, mentor, and challenger. Through holistic methods and an integrative approach, clients learn how to manage problems such as depression and anxiety. Clients determine the pace of therapy, and identify what they want to accomplish in therapy. My role as the clinician is to guide clients towards achieving their goals and improved functioning in daily life. Clients receive information about the issues they are experiencing and the skills they will be learning. I challenge clients to stop focusing on others and begin exploring and identifying how they may be contributing to the issue(s) at hand. While talking is part of therapy, so is skills building. Learning effective skills is meant to help clients manage current and future problems.
The first appointment is not representative of a typical therapy appointment. The first couple of appointments will be focused on learning about you and what has brought you to counseling. Based on the information you provide and your answers to assessments, I will formulate a diagnosis and a plan to guide your treatment. You will be part of creating that plan. Prior to your first appointment, think about what you want to accomplish through counseling. Think about what is working well for you and what is not working very well. What are your strengths and what are your needs? All of this information is used to design your individualized treatment plan. The treatment plan will include skills and information you can use to manage current problems, as well as future problems. Initially, you can expect to learn at least one new skill at each appointment to help manage uncomfortable feelings or sensations. You can expect to explore your issues at your own pace, and to identify factors contributing to problem development and maintenance. You will be encouraged to take responsibility for your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors because the only person you have the ability to change is yourself. You can expect to leave counseling with preventive strategies to foster and maintain good mental health.
