Q: Do I need to talk with a Professional?
A: Many people find they have trouble describing exactly what they are looking for, or that there are multiple concerns which seem to overlap. Sometimes the problem can only be described as "something just feels off", "I'm not happy with where I'm headed with my life, " or "I seem to keep repeating the same mistake." If you have questions about how to choose a therapist who feels right for you, if you would benefit from therapy, and if I may be that person to walk with you during the process, please click TAKE ACTION above, and call or email me so we can briefly discuss your concern. I am happy to provide additional referrals as needed.
Q: Is there a difference between Counseling and Therapy?
A: Counseling, sometimes called 'talk therapy," is a conversations or series of conversations between a counselor and a client. Counseling focuses on a specific problem and takes steps to address or solve it. Problems are discussed in the present-tense, without too much attention on the role of past experiences. Psychotherapy, or therapy for short, is based on a healing relationship between a health care provider and client. Therapy is not a matter of telling someone how to live, though it often has a longer duration than counseling. Instead of narrowing in on individual problems psychotherapy considers overall patterns of behaviors, chronic issues, and recurrent feelings. This requires an openness to exploring the past and its impact on the present. The aim of psychotherapy is to resolve the underlying issues which fuel ongoing complaints. Therapy helps to resolve past experiences as part of laying the foundation for a satisfying future. Some people participate in therapy off and on over several years.
Q: How long will it take?
A: Therapy, like life, does not happen in a bubble. You have a natural impulse toward health and healing that strengthens when it's supported. Therapy is collaborative, not forceful. The more at ease you are, the better our therapeutic fit, the faster progress is made. It is not easy to talk to a stranger about your personal problems, but the Bible says we are to share our burdens. We get stuck in old ideas about ourselves that may not be true. Updating these beliefs enables new behaviors and a new sense of self. Our therapy relationship is a place where your response to life will be tracked and you will be supported to try out new behaviors and take thought patterns captive while getting feedback during our walk together toward your goal.