I love to work with people who are willing to think, to consider new ideas, to examine themselves honestly, and to try new behaviors. This is exciting! I love people who allow me the occasional moment of silence so that I can prepare a question that fits their unique personality and situation. I love working with people who are excited about working on things throughout the week and will give me honest feedback as to how effective that idea was for them. And i find it very enjoyable to work with someone who can articulate what they believe their issue is and what they think they need to do to overcome (either by increasing or decreasing a behavior) their problem (even if it takes a few sessions to get there). it's great to work with people who will do their best to give a new idea a shot. All that being said, everyone has their up days and down days. We wouldn't be human if we didn't. Being willing to let me walk alongside of them on those days, as well as the good days, humbles me because of their trust. Therapy can be work, and change doesn't fall into our laps. But it is possible, and in many cases, in order to experience abundant living, very necessary. Finally, I really enjoy working with people who, even as they identify a tendency, a personality trait, a reaction, or a thought process that may be related to childhood or adult trauma or abuse, will also look for ways to overcome its impact on them instead of being content to sit in its shade and let themselves be bested by it.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

The first thing that will happen is that we will acquaint ourselves with each other. I will ask you for the forms that were forwarded to you for you to complete and return, if you have not already done so. I may make a comment here or there, but I don't want to spend our whole first session reading paperwork about you when I have you right in front of me. I will quite possibly ask you if you have any history of head injuries as that information can be very helpful to me. We may, depending upon your reason for coming, (which you may tell me at some point) practice some centering exercises and some breathing exercises. There's no magic in this- its just you telling your body to relax and take a break while we talk, and before you leave. If you are not really sure what you want to work on at this point, don't be concerned. Those issues can shift in the first week or two anyway. I may give you some things to work on at home, and will also make sure you have my email and phone number. I usually check my email at least once a day, so if your message is of an urgent nature, be sure to also call me and leave a message, and this should ensure that I get back to you sooner. We will talk about hope, and your personal faith walk (if any) to date. I will ask you questions about any history of suicidal thoughts or actions and their frequency. That's a lot to cover in the first session! But I think it will give us a good platform upon which to build.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I have always been a good listener. I try very hard to think before I speak. I work to weigh the importance of things that surface during a session, e.g., does it matter so much that you were late, or that you were short and spoke irritably with me when you did come? I wandered through dozens of therapy theories, techniques and strategies until I chose biblical counseling as a permanent point of view. I don't mean to say that other theories or techniques haven't influenced me; they have. But at the foundation is my trust in Scriptures as the final word in how to live life optimally, and I will always emphasize that point of view.

About Ginger Drake