Hello, I am Jerry Phillips, a licensed mental health therapist. Welcome to our Grow platform. I'm so thankful you reached out for help. My personal and business motto has been for many years, "Helping People Help Themselves". This is also my goal with each client. I recognize that most people do not need to be fixed. Rather they need to be heard and understood. By listening and attempting to understand, I am often able to help guide people to real solutions for their personal issues. It will be a privilege to assist you exploring the concerns you discuss.
Our first session will include brief introductions, an Intake Interview, identifying your presenting concerns and personal challenges of life, your expectations of therapy and goals, and a summary of how we might be able to help. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow up sessions.
My strengths are derived from my life experiences, 29 years in the US Navy, working with veterans, helping those with different types of addictions, assisting those with PTSD, anxiety and depression, and of course as a minister helping many with spiritual issues. Also, experiencing much death and grief in both my own personal life and in the military, I can personally relate to others who are grieving or experiencing anxiety issues.
With 29 years in the US Navy I have a particular focus on our veterans, military issues, PTSD, death and grief As a Christian, I am also very interested in spiritual concerns With two major certifications in addictions I am also very focused on addiction issues Background: I have two Master degrees; Master of Divinity (M-Div) and Master of Counseling Psychology (MS). I am a U.S. Navy Retired Chaplain, having served 29 years. While on active duty as a Navy Chaplain, I attended a one year school for Pastoral Counseling. Immediately following this, at my next duty station, I began a second masters degree program for Counseling Psychology. This helped me become a much better Chaplain. I also received extensive training at the US Navy's Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Center and then conducted alcohol and drug counseling with military members. Three years after this degree program I was licensed in the State of Florida (my home) as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). After retiring from the US Navy, I established the Upper Room Counseling Center, serving people in the Central Florida area. During this time I specialized in Anxiety disorders, Grief counseling and Addictions. I have had the opportunity to help many people mature as individuals and recover from their addictions. Today I continue helping people through Grow Counseling Telehealth. To access our live, face to face session, you will need either a computer, tablet or smartphone with a working camera and audio. This type of live video streaming works best with a strong, high speed internet connection. Please be sure your device settings are set to "Allow" camera and microphone use while using Google Chrome.
I am an ordained minister, and retired US Navy Chaplain. My first master's degree is in Christian Theology and Ministry. My second master's degree is in Phychology and Counseling. I always ask permission before referencing Christian examples or suggestions.
CBT is one of the most widely used methods utilized today. I personally use this method as it informs clients through education and encourages them as they learn they have the ability to to make decisions and be in control of their own life.