My name is Doug and I think you are making a wonderful decision on taking the first step towards reaching out for support. I have successfully worked as a counselor for 38 years and have also taken advantage of counseling opportunities to better myself. I look forward to meeting you, learning about your hopes and passions and seeing if we can work together to help you feel better and function more effectively. I am skilled at working with clients who struggle with handling stress, depression, anxiety or substance use issues. I am very experienced helping persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses such as Schizophrenia, severe Bipolar Disorder or Major Depressive Disorder. As I am 63 years old I also feel very comfortable helping older adults who face a variety of new challenges later in life. A good counselor knows their limitations and as such, I suggest you seek a different person if you are looking for help with trauma-related issues or partner issues. In my free time I enjoy traveling with my wife, cooking, reading, cycling, periodically pretend to be a golfer and (usually enjoy) watching my NY Jets!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
My first meeting with a client will be a free consultation where I explain some of the basics about participating in counseling and about such client rights as expecting that seeing a therapist is your private affair and that you can expect that your personal information will remain between you and me. I will talk about my experience and how I try to help clients and then we finally get around to you and learning about your problems and needs and whether you believe I may be able to help you.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Over the years I have been a therapist, a supervisor and an administrator in multiple inpatient and outpatient settings. I believe my greatest attribute is helping a person feel safe and comfortable while often discussing uncomfortable feelings and issues. I also work very hard at helping each client see that they are not alone, that the issues they face are often shared by many and that they are a person worthy of respect, love and recognition.