Mark Andrews

I have been counseling people of all ages for 43 years. I begin with listening to your story. I not only want to hear it; I want to understand it as well. Sometimes, this mutual understanding alone is all that a client needs. During the intake process, I will ask you detailed questions to further understanding of your situation and issues you are dealing with right now. Next, we will work together to form a plan of action which will guide our sessions together, which typically last 45 – 50 minutes. This plan of action will focus on helping you, the client, work towards solving problems and issues that you present. Did I mention that takes work? Achieving understanding of issues and taking appropriate actions towards wellness both take time, concentration and energy.

Relational is where we start, because the connection between us matters as much as any technique. Once we have established trust and a clear picture of what you are dealing with, we bring in the tools that fit best: structured approaches for working through trauma, strategies for examining thought patterns that no longer serve you, and practical problem-solving for what is in front of you right now. Sessions are collaborative. I ask a lot of questions. We form a plan that guides our work together, review progress, and adjust when life shifts. Most clients tell me that feeling genuinely heard is itself part of what changes. The rest follows from there.

Our first session is mostly about listening. I will ask detailed questions about what brings you in, your history, and what you are hoping for. By the end, you will have a clearer sense of how we might work together and what a plan could look like. Most people leave that first conversation feeling less alone with what they have been carrying. Progress varies, but you will not be left wondering where we are or what we are doing. I will be direct with you about both.