Serving Individuals, Couples & Families

 

How does therapy help?

 

Throughout life there are times when we may need help addressing problems and issues that cause us emotional distress or make us feel overwhelmed. When you are experiencing these types of difficulties, you may benefit from the assistance of an experienced, trained professional. Therapists offer caring, expert support that we need during these stressful times. I can help you identify your problems and assist you in finding the best ways to cope with the situation by changing behaviors that contribute to the problem or by finding constructive solutions to deal with a situation that is beyond your personal control. Therapy allows a safe space for people to discuss what is happening in their lives in order to:

 

• Increase coping strategies

• Increase communication 

• Increase self-image

• Increase awareness of strengths

• Increase satisfaction in their relationships

• Process difficult situations like grief and loss or the experience of a traumatic event

• Broaden perspectives

• Consider alternatives

• Seek solutions

 

What can I talk about?

 

Counseling is a safe place for you to talk about anything. A few of the things individuals, couples and families have discussed in counseling with me include:

 

• Relationship problems

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Trauma

• Work and school related issues

• Stress management

• Parent/child conflict and parenting issues

• Separation and divorce

• Infidelity

• Surviving a traumatic event or violent crime

• Addictions and compulsions (binge eating, shopping, alcohol, drugs, pornography, gambling, video games etc.)

• Domestic violence, spousal assault, or emotional abuse

• Sexuality issues (sexual problems, sexual health)

• Coming out and other LGBTQ life issues

 

Will counseling work for me?

 

Research shows that therapy works for most people. Many clients report relief from depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and issues or just generally feeling better. The experience is different for everyone, but sometimes people may report feeling worse before they feel better. Most importantly, let me know how you are feeling, ask questions along the way and express your needs when they arise.

 

I tried counseling before and it didn't work, why should I try it again?

 

Sometimes the relationships between the therapist and client or the therapeutic approach of the therapist just isn't a good fit for you. It’s okay to shop around to find the right therapist for you. Timing is also essential in effective counseling; sometimes our timing is just "off". Therapy works best when you are open and willing to participate in your own healing.