I offer clients that I consult with over 40 years of experience in the problem-solving efforts of multiple types of mental health, behavioral, interpersonal and emotional distress. During my career I have engaged clients in a variety of settings including group managed care practices, in-patient hospitals, outpatient community mental health and forensic. Along the way, my treatment approaches have evolved. My initial approaches to treatment included the use of Transactional Analysis and Gestalt therapies. These interests led to my pursuit of my Master of Art (MA) studies in Expressive Arts Therapies. In my post-master externship in Family Systems therapies, I applied these skills as a therapist with county community mental health in Virginia. My doctoral program integrated my interest in Systems and Existential forms of treatment. My work with managed care outpatient settings allowed me to broaden my treatment approaches to include Solution-Focused, Narrative Therapies and Motivational Interviewing. During the recent 23 years, I had been employed with several Corrections facilities including the Franklin Medical Center. While a Corrections Psychologist I familiarized myself with research inquiries asking, "What works in therapy?" As a result, I now frequently use in-session outcome measures aimed at assessing the effectiveness of my treatment approach and providing opportunities to consult with clients about any requested or needed adjustments to the approach. In the past 6 years, I have immersed myself in the study and application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as my preferred treatment orientation within an otherwise integrative approach to care.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Within the initial 1 to 3 sessions clients should have a sense of my approach, my ability to adjust my approach using requested feedback from the client and an overall "fit" to address the presenting concerns. Each person is different. Some clients prefer non-directive and supportive listening while others are inclined to seek highly structured directives and homework assignments. Still, others seek only consultation and advice. Most clients fall in between with a temperament that leans one way or the other. I would expect clients to take away the sense that not only their problems have been understood but that problem-solving is approached in a manner consistent with what makes sense to the client.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
Like most therapists, I make use of an integrative therapy approach. My approach is drawn from treatment models that I have found work well for most clients and have proved effective over the years of my practice of them. I filter presenting concerns through the lens of ACT. Often my use of ACT is not exclusive and strategies from Solution-Focused/Problem-Solving, Narrative, Motivational Interviewing, Existential and Systems Theory inform my work and are introduced based on how these models are received by clients. Again, the use of ongoing feedback during the therapy guides which models make sense.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My biggest strength has been my ability to assist clients with life adjustment concerns. These have included changes in relationships, career status, legal difficulties, health changes, and parent-child role changes. I have also helped past clients with emotional distress symptoms manifested by depression, anxiety, and ruminations of unwanted memories, guilt, resentments, fear of unknown future expectations and catastrophic thinking. For a free 10-minute consultation before booking any appointment and to help determine if I may be a fit for your presenting concerns please start by calling my business phone at 614-947-7778. To schedule an appointment call 1-786-755-1863 or go to reception+John16958@growtherapy.com. I do not accept insurance for couples or family therapy.