David Patrick
My name is David Patrick, LCSW. I have 14 years of experience dealing with a wide array of topics that bring people to therapy. I view the therapeutic relationship as a partnership. I see myself and my clients as friends on a journey of discovery about themselves. I do not lead, nor allow myself to be led, I believe we are equals.
I see us as equals and occasionally I will make suggestions, but ultimately this is a time of discovery for the individual and it is a privilege to walk alongside you on your journey.
I listen intently and make suggestions and sometimes assign homework when appropriate. Remember, there are 168 hours in a typical week, and most people only see their therapist for one hour, leaving 167 hours outside the weekly session to practice and explore questions and see if the new results are present. I see us as equals and occasionally I will make suggestions, but ultimately this is a time of discovery for the individual and it is a privilege to walk alongside you on your journey.
First session
My first session with you will be to get to know you as a person. We will explore your emotions and where you are in the present. We will find something immediate to begin to build your hope that you are doing something important for you. I am a good listener and enjoy hearing your perspective on where you are now and helping you define where you want to go.
Strengths
I have been told that I am very easy to talk to. I strive to put people at ease by listening to their story and helping them feel that their story is very important. My approach is calm and quiet allowing the client to express their feelings. My methods are easy and reassuring, helping people feel quiet in their spirit. These moments of quiet are great opportunities to begin to see where the changes need to be made. For most individuals, this insight leads them to see where they need/want to make changes. I truly believe that anything can be accomplished if we work diligently at it.
Ideal clients
I believe I am best positioned to serve clients in the 15-95 year old age range. I like to talk about and identify your goals, and then develop a plan tailored to your needs and wants, enabling you to reach your personal goals. Many times when someone discovers that they have a great deal of control over choosing their thoughts, it is only a short time before they are using these new skills to redefine their life goals.
Origin story
An opportunity to attend college just dropped in my lap when I was 46 years old. It was a God ordained change and I had no clue it was about to happen. When I learned about the suicide rate in the state where I lived at that time, I was shocked, and I just immediately knew that mental health was my calling. I have had the opportunity to walk along side some wonderful folks during my time serving as a therapist. I never get tired of helping people, my method is simple. I use my training and I pray continuously as we both discover the issues that bring someone into therapy. I am always happy and grateful when my clients share their hearts and begin their journey of healing.
Treatment methods
Christian Counseling
For individuals that identify a Christian faith I talk about personal obstacles I have overcome, using recall to reflect how important faith is in everyone's life. I also have many years of experience with people of different cultures and religions. I see each person as an individual, with goals and issues that sometimes prevent them from believing in themselves. As I work with each person we develop a custom treatment plan that will address THEIR goals and lifestyle. NOTE: Due to a recent surge in demand I also do Christian Couples Counseling. 1. In this endeavor I ask each partner to complete an individual intake form and schedule an appt separate from their spouse or partner. 2. Next, I begin a pattern. I see each partner for their initial intake. 3. Next I see each individual for another one on one session to get to know them individually. 4. Next I ask one partner to schedule a conjoint session with each partner present to begin assessing the needs and issues within the relationship. 5. Next, we begin a pattern of one weekly individual session, with each partner, then one session together, and repeat this pattern going forward. Over the years I have found this pattern to be effective and often saves much time over the duration of the therapy process. Each person is seen and treated as an individual and together we assess how this contributes or subtracts from the relationship. As the details of the individual and the relationship begin to emerge, it becomes easier to identify and address individual issues that may be affecting the relationship. As we develop this picture it is exciting to see the partners accept, and begin to trust each other. Most of the time seemingly impossible barriers begin to melt and partners develop a new perspective of each other and respect and love (once thought to be lost) slowly reignite and people are again able to commit to each other again. This is an exciting process and I never tire of seeing God bring couples back together and fall in love with each other again.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have many years of experience teaching individuals how to untangle old outdated thinking patterns. I make many suggestions and exercises on beginning to identify the distorted, unhelpful thoughts and replace these thoughts with new thoughts that shortly become more satisfying and begin to change how we see ourselves in the world around us.
Faith-based therapy
I have many years of faith experience in my own life from which to draw examples. This recall and reinforcement also includes almost endless testimonies from individuals and experiences from therapy practice. Faith in God is the most powerful force in the world that a person can access. It is also free and living in our connection with God.
Eclectic
In some circumstances I use an eclectic approach. This method involves drawing from several/multiple modalities of therapy I am experienced with. Ultimately, together with the client we create a type of therapy that is specific to the needs of the individual and essentially customize the therapy to the needs of the client.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions725 SE Baya Dr, Lake City, FL 32025, 105
Identifies as
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Serves
Licensed in
- FloridaLicense SW20277