LPCMH, 20 years of experience
New to Grow
We know that initiating counseling services for your child or yourself can be very challenging. However, please know that you are making a positive step towards a healthy change in your life. During the counseling process, together we will identify your strengths and use those strengths to help propel you in making the necessary changes you would like to make in your life. If you want to obtain support in dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, abuse, anger management, trauma, parenting assistance, divorce or substance abuse, I am here to help you navigate this process.
The first counseling session is primarily about building a therapeutic alliance and understanding the client's needs. It sets the foundation for the therapeutic relationship and future work together. Clients should feel free to express any concerns or questions they have about the process, as open communication is crucial for effective therapy.
Some of my strengths as a counselor. Empathy The ability to understand and share the feelings of your clients, creating a safe space for them to express themselves. Active Listening Skillful at listening without judgment, allowing clients to feel heard and understood. This includes not just hearing words but also understanding non-verbal cues. Communication Skills Clearly and effectively communicating ideas, concepts, and feedback, making it easier for clients to understand and engage in the therapeutic process. Patience The ability to remain calm and supportive, allowing clients to progress at their own pace without pressure. Cultural Competence Understanding and respecting diverse backgrounds, which helps in building trust and rapport with clients from various cultures and communities. Problem-Solving Skills Ability to help clients identify solutions to their challenges, guiding them through the process of finding their own answers. Adaptability Being flexible in your approach and open to adjusting your methods based on the unique needs of each client. Self-Awareness Understanding your own emotions, biases, and triggers, which allows you to maintain professionalism and objectivity in sessions. Building Rapport Establishing a strong therapeutic alliance quickly, helping clients feel comfortable and secure in sharing their thoughts and feelings. Ethical Integrity Adhering to ethical guidelines and maintaining confidentiality, which builds trust and respect in the therapeutic relationship. Motivational Skills Inspiring and encouraging clients to take action towards their goals and fostering a sense of hope and possibility. Knowledge and Expertise Having a solid foundation in psychological theories, therapeutic techniques, and practical skills that you can apply to help clients effectively. Non-judgmental Attitude Creating a space where clients feel free to express themselves without fear of judgment or criticism. Compassion Demonstrating genuine care and concern for the well-being of your clients, which fosters a supportive environment. Resilience The ability to cope with the emotional demands of counseling and maintain a positive outlook, which can be contagious and uplifting for clients.
By integrating EMDR, reality counseling, and couples counseling, you can cater to a variety of clients seeking healing, growth, and enhancement in their lives and relationships. Your best clients will likely be those who are open to exploring their experiences and willing to engage in the therapeutic process, whether on an individual or relational level. Tailoring your approach to each client’s unique needs and goals will enhance the effectiveness of your work and foster meaningful outcomes.
Theoretical Basis EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can overwhelm the brain's natural ability to process information, leading to unprocessed memories that cause emotional distress. By reprocessing these memories, clients can integrate them into their broader life narrative and reduce their impact. Eight Phases of EMDR EMDR therapy is structured around eight phases: Phase 1: History Taking - The therapist gathers information about the client's history, including traumatic experiences and current symptoms. Phase 2: Preparation - The therapist explains the EMDR process and establishes a sense of safety and trust. Coping strategies are introduced to help clients manage distress during sessions. Phase 3: Assessment - The therapist identifies specific memories to target and assesses the negative beliefs associated with those memories. Phase 4: Desensitization - The client focuses on the traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation (e.g., following the therapist’s finger with their eyes). This process helps to reduce the emotional charge of the memory. Phase 5: Installation- The therapist helps the client to replace negative beliefs associated with the trauma with positive beliefs. - **Phase 6: Body Scan** - The client is asked to focus on physical sensations related to the memory, ensuring that any residual tension is processed. Phase 7: Closure - The session concludes with a return to a state of equilibrium, and the therapist helps the client to stabilize before leaving. Phase 8: Reevaluation - In subsequent sessions, the therapist assesses the client's progress and addresses any remaining issues. Bilateral Stimulation: This is a hallmark of EMDR therapy. It can be achieved through guided eye movements, auditory tones, or tactile stimulation (tapping). The dual attention facilitates the processing of memories and emotions, allowing clients to access and integrate traumatic experiences in a safe environment. Benefits of EMDR: Rapid Results**: Many clients experience significant relief from symptoms in a relatively short number of sessions compared to traditional talk therapy. Trauma Processing**: EMDR can help clients process traumatic memories that may be difficult to articulate verbally, making it especially effective for individuals who find it challenging to discuss their trauma. Versatility**: While EMDR is most commonly associated with trauma, it can also be effective for various issues, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and complex PTSD. Who Can Benefit from EMDR? Children and Adolescents**: EMDR can be adapted for younger clients, helping them process trauma and develop coping skills in a supportive environment. Adults**: Many adults seeking to heal from past traumas, including abuse, accidents, or significant losses, find EMDR to be an effective treatment option. Individuals with PTSD**: EMDR is particularly well-researched and validated for individuals diagnosed with PTSD. Conclusion EMDR is a powerful therapeutic approach that can help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences effectively. By integrating cognitive-behavioral strategies with bilateral stimulation, EMDR offers a unique pathway for clients to reduce their distress and improve their overall mental health. As with any therapeutic approach, it is essential for clients to work with a trained and licensed EMDR therapist to ensure the best outcomes.
Reality Therapy is a therapeutic approach developed by psychiatrist William Glasser in the 1960s. It is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on helping individuals understand and take responsibility for their choices, with an emphasis on practical problem-solving and goal-setting. The therapy is rooted in choice theory, which posits that individuals have control over their actions and can make choices that lead to fulfilling their basic needs.
Couples therapy is a collaborative process that involves both partners working with a trained therapist to address relationship issues. The goal is to improve communication, resolve conflicts, strengthen emotional connections, and deepen understanding between partners. Why Seek Couples Therapy? There are many reasons couples seek therapy, including: Communication Issues: Struggling to communicate effectively, leading to misunderstandings and frustration. Conflict Resolution: Ongoing disagreements or conflicts that seem unresolved. Emotional Disconnection**: Feeling distant or disconnected from one another. Trust Issues: Dealing with betrayal, infidelity, or breaches of trust. Life Transitions: Navigating significant life changes such as marriage, parenthood, or relocation. Seeking Growth: Wanting to enhance relationship satisfaction or strengthen the partnership. The Process of Couples Therapy 1. Initial Assessment: The therapy process typically begins with an initial session where the therapist gathers information about the couple's relationship history, current concerns, and individual perspectives. Both partners will have the opportunity to share their experiences and feelings. 2. Setting Goals: The therapist will work with the couple to identify specific goals for therapy. This might include improving communication skills, resolving particular conflicts, or enhancing emotional intimacy. 3. Understanding Patterns: Couples will explore their interaction patterns, understanding how their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions contribute to their relationship dynamics. This exploration helps identify negative cycles that may be perpetuating conflict. 4. Learning New Skills: Therapists often teach couples effective communication skills, conflict resolution techniques, and strategies for building emotional intimacy. This may involve role-playing, practicing active listening, and expressing feelings constructively. 5. Addressing Underlying Issues: The therapist helps couples identify and address underlying issues that may be affecting their relationship, such as past trauma, individual mental health challenges, or unmet needs. 6. Regular Check-Ins: Throughout the process, the therapist will facilitate regular check-ins to assess progress and make adjustments to the therapeutic approach as needed. 7. Closure and Moving Forward: When couples achieve their goals or feel they have made significant progress, the therapist may guide them in developing a plan for maintaining their gains and continuing to grow as a couple after therapy ends. Techniques Used in Couples Therapy Couples therapists may use various approaches and techniques, depending on their training and the needs of the couple. Some common approaches include: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative interaction patterns to create a more secure emotional bond. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps couples understand and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to conflicts. Gottman Method: Based on extensive research, this method teaches couples skills for improving friendship, managing conflict, and creating shared meaning in their relationship. mago Relationship Therapy: Focuses on understanding childhood experiences and how they influence adult relationships, fostering empathy and communication.