My Therapeutic Approach
Every therapist has their own unique approach to how they counsel. There is no, "right" or
"wrong" way, it all comes down to preference. It's comparable to shoe shopping. Sometimes you have to try on a couple different styles until you find the right one! When searching for a therapist, it is important to find someone who you think would best fit your needs. You may find that you have to cycle through a couple of therapists in order to connect with the right one, that is OKAY! This is your investment, and you have to feel comfortable with the person you work with. With that being said, I take a person-centered/humanistic approach, which puts emphasis on allowing you as a client to take more of a lead in sessions and ultimately leading to the discovery of your own solutions. I also incorporate a Christian based approach for those who value this perspective (please see Christian based page below for more info). On a side note, I tend to also bring humor into sessions, when appropriate. The top 3 approaches I use the most in therapy include, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
I utilize CBT to help people learn how to identify and change destructive and disturbing thoughts. This treatment approach can help to recognize and shift the thinking patterns that are a barrier to healing.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
ACT is a mindfully oriented behavioral therapy that is used to help people accept and move on from negative experiences. This treatment approach puts more emphasis on change through acceptance.
Mindfulness
A type of therapy that puts focus on being aware of internal thoughts, feelings and emotions, as well as external surroundings. This approach challenges people to practice using awareness without judging oneself in the process. When we can become aware to our emotions and how they impact our behaviors we can reduce our automatic "out of control" response.
Christian Based Counseling
While I identify as a Christian, I work with individuals from all faith and spiritual backgrounds. My faith, specifically my relationship with God, is a large part of my life and I invite clients to lead the role that faith plays in our work together.