Counseling:
A process in which a counselor holds face to face talks with another person to help resolve a personal problem or help improve the person’s attitude, behavior or character. A person may come in for counseling so they can learn how to develop new behaviors as well as improve their relationships with others.
We can help with the following:
ADD, ADHD, adjustment disorders, academic problems, anger management, anxiety disorders, bereavement and grief, conduct disorder, couples/marital, depression, eating disorders, impulse control, life changes, oppositional defiant behaviors, parent/child conflict, phobias, post-partum depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, self-esteem issues, separation anxiety, separation and divorce, sleep disturbances, work stress, and more.
Counseling for Adults:
We guide and assist the client to resolve problems and create a strong sense of self as well as develop a balanced life: emotionally, professionally, and socially. Separation and individuation issues can be worked through so that the client can understand the difference between how they feel and how others make them feel. They have the ability to feel their own feelings, strengthen their ego, and build their sense of self.
Counseling for Couples (Pre-Marital and Marital):
We help couples in all types of intimate relationships to develop better communication, in order to strengthen their bond and gain a better understanding of one another. We help them to understand and respect their differences in personality as well as integrating the couple’s complementarity. We also help them to learn to express feelings appropriately rather than through bursts of anger. We work to solve issues of infidelity. Couples also come to solve conflicts involving child-rearing and family blending.
Christian Counseling:
The therapist facilitates the integration of the clients own spirituality and faith to overcome whatever difficulties the person is experiencing.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented type of therapy that targets the unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that underlie problems and emotional distress. In CBT, the therapist and client work collaboratively to identify problematic thoughts, beliefs, and actions and to replace them with healthier ones. The skills and strategies that a client learns in CBT can be applied to new situations or obstacles throughout their lifetime.
Systems Approach
In the Systems Approach, behavior is understood as being influenced by the multiple systems at play in a person’s life. These systems include the person’s family, school/work, and any other systems or organizations in which the person is involved. When trying to understand an individual, the Systems Approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the individual’s context within their many systems. The Systems Approach is especially helpful with helping children and their parents as well as couples to strengthen their relationships and establish balance within the family structure.
Guided Imagery
Guided Imagery is a technique used in therapy to enhance relaxation. For this technique, the therapist assists the client in recalling or creating an image or experience in their mind to evoke feelings of relaxation and other positive emotions. The therapist also guides the client to engage their five senses in the imagery to heighten the experience and mind-body connection.
Clinical Hypnosis
Hypnosis involves inducing a state of inner absorption, concentration, and attention with the mind. Clinical hypnosis is conducted by a licensed medical or mental health professional and is used to treat a psychological or physical problem. Clinical Hypnotherapists understand the phenomena surrounding hypnosis as well as understand the client who is prepared to accept help and make change. They have gone through intensive training not only on hypnosis but also on therapeutic techniques to help you stop unwanted behaviors and develop new ones.
Age Regression
Age Regression hypnosis utilizes unique clinical hypnosis techniques to heal past trauma or painful memories. During the clinical hypnosis session, the hypnotherapist helps the client to recall memories and feelings caused by negative past experiences that are now affecting the client’s present reality. This form of hypnotherapy is very powerful because it gives new insight to the client who is able to “rescue the self stuck back in time.” The client is able to change painful encoded beliefs and emerge with a new sense of self. New behaviors and feelings become part of the adult self.
Coaching
While therapy typically focuses on working through issues, coaching may suit a person who is looking for guidance and direction with current life circumstances or future goals. Whether the person is feeling stuck or just uncertain their next steps, we offer support and coaching to help clients develop a course of action and make positive changes. The book, Empowerment: The Art of Creating Your Life as You Want It,” is used to help guide the coaching.
Relaxation
As part of therapy, we often teach and practice relaxation techniques with clients. These techniques are especially helpful for managing anxiety, stress, panic, anger, and other difficult emotions. They are also helpful in promoting sleep as well as relief from stress. Examples of relaxation techniques include deep breathing, PMR, guided imagery, visualization, meditation, grounding, etc. For some of these techniques, we also make an audio recordings to help the person to continue to practice the skill at home.