Counseling provides a safe, therapeutic relationship in which to explore one’s issues or problems and work towards personal growth and healing. We are all "in process" towards becoming more, whole, and healed. Counseling presents an opportunity to put things into perspective, remove obstacles and make healthy decisions that can lead towards restoration, reconciliation and healing. Therapy provides the platform to grow in all areas of one's life: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. In counseling there is an opportunity for healing and encouragement. Therapy gives the opportunity to learn new ways of thinking and behaving that help restore balance and freedom in our lives.
Counseling allows us to explore the past within the context of the present in order to navigate through hurts and pain in our lives and set ourselves up for a healthier future. Be it depression, anxiety, panic, grief, loss, relationship strain or a life transition, counseling provides the platform for healing, freedom and experiencing true joy. My counseling philosophy incorporates the belief that people find healing and restoration as they explore their life experiences, pain and struggles in the context of a therapeutic relationship. Counseling provides a place to learn about one’s true identity and gives the opportunity to experience deep heart change and healing.
My counseling philosophy also rests on the principle that each individual and each relationship is unique. I work with each client I counsel to create a plan for the goals they desire to achieve while in counseling. This means I incorporate various counseling theories and techniques with various clients. I also may counsel some clients more short term and others may work with me in counseling longer term. I strive to be very collaborative in my counseling work with clients to ensure that we are working towards their desired goals.
I counsel often with individuals, couples and families experiencing relational difficulties, depression, anxiety, panic, grief, loss, or difficult life transitions. I work to individualize the therapy with each client that I see. Some clients like me to be more directive as a counselor and others do not. Some clients like homework to accompany their counseling and others do not. I work hard to tailor the counseling to fit the individual needs and goals of each client. A big part of my private practice is spent counseling with women who are in difficult relationships or strained marriages and are needing support and advice. A counseling goal we discuss is to become the healthiest individual possible and how to engage in healthy relationships or improve their current relationship.
I offer my experience in the integration of psychology and theology for people who desire Christian counseling. While my Christian beliefs influence the way I understand pain and healing, I see clients from all religious backgrounds and respect the views of each individual client. For clients who desire, I integrate faith principles, Scripture and prayer into the counseling sessions. I believe these can be powerful tools for guidance and healing when included in the counseling process.