My name is Paul Peavy and I have over 25 years experience as a Licensed Mental Health Therapist. I am also a three time Ironman triathlon finisher and I stay active in DEKA and CrossFit type competitions because I believe that what we do with our bodies effects our mind and our mood. I am also a New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary...dropout. Meaning I believe that having a spiritual connection is so important to anyone's happiness but I know organized religion may have left scars on many people. So it is important to find your own way to that connection. I like to say to people, "Just don't throw the baby out with the bath water." I also gave a run at being a Stand Up Comic for a couple of years so I have been shushed at every building I've worked in for my clients and I laughing too loudly. I mean, that's the point isn't it? Let's all get to the point where we can laugh out loud!
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Energy!!! I want you want to re-capture the joy and energy you were meant to have! I hope we can build simple stair steps to you climbing back to the top of your life! I want to give you the best opportunity to grow to be your best self! I hope you have a plan to get back to where you want to be and if you don't like the ideas I come up with please be honest and tell me your doubts so we can make it really work for you!
The treatment methods and tools I utilize
I use Positive Psychology to use what may seem like the simplest ideas to build on how you were built, be it a love of art, nature, exercise, serving, etc... whatever it is to rebuild the joy that you had in life by doing life your way. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help you undo some of your negative thinking patterns that are just not true. I want to turn your stinkin' thinkin' into realistic optimistic possibilities. (The acronym for Realistic Optimistic Thinking would be ROT and I need to think of the marketability of that. Bibliotherapy. Okay, that's a psychobabble word for I might suggest some helpful books. I know I don't know everything and I think if you are learning how to grow between our sessioins that is even better.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Of course I want to meet you with energy that I hope brings up your own energy but I won't overwhelm you if you are not there yet. I hope you will actually find therapy a highlight of your week! I will also really, really listen to you and let me you educate me about things, also. Sometimes I think people probably sometimes think I'm an idiot because I'm constantly saying, "I don't' understand, can you explain it to me again." I then will say, "Okay, explain it to me like I'm in the third grade." My point is that you will never get a fake head nod from me because of my pride. I am willing to be educated by you about your life situation and history. I want to reallly know you and I know I can't help you if I don't really get to know you.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
People dealing with depression, anxiety, and loneliness. I also deal with athletes struggling with performance due to stress and depression. I also enjoy working with adolescents who are motivated to find change in their lives or parents who are trying to help them.