Counseling Approach

In counseling, I primarily use a cognitive-behavioral approach, which emphasizes the connection between our thoughts, our feelings, and  our behaviors. If we under- stand the reasons that we think, feel, say, or do things, then we are better able to change the things that we desire to change.  I  am also a  believer in the value of psycho- education. Knowledge empowers people to direct their efforts in a focused way, thereby increasing the likelihood of success. 

I support the Twelve Step philosophy of recovery that acknowledges our need to have a  "Higher Power".  I believe that spirituality is an important aspect of our lives, and a piece that is often  neglected or discarded as life deals us one blow after another. For some, this missing piece may be felt as a hollowness or a "hole" in their souls. For others, it may be an anger toward or rejection of God. For others still, this may be experienced as numbness or apathy.  I am convinced that everyone has the potential for healing, growth, and change, and that hope is essential to that process. It is our "Higher Power", or God as we understand Him to be, that can offer us that hope. 

Your Role In Therapy  

This process of therapy will require some work on your part,  and a commitment to the goals we set together. Goals are  important to determine direction, measure  progress, and evaluate results.

In between our counseling sessions, I may ask that you do specific activities or "homework assignments"  that will help to expedite the process of therapy.  Some of these requests could be to practice new skills or use new tools that you have acquired through counseling. It may be helpful for you to keep a journal or a daily inventory. You will be encouraged to identify and use your support systems, and if you have none, to begin to build some.

Growing up in a family where there has been chaos, addiction, abuse, violence, or loss often contributes to one's developing an addiction later on in  life. Anger is often at the root of addiction, and many mental illnesses, such as depression. Drugs and alcohol are often used to try to suppress this anger, or to "self-medicate" other painful feelings, such as shame, guilt, loneliness, or rejection. Depression will often go hand-in-hand with other forms of addiction as well. Some of these may be gambling, sex, pornography, overeating, or compulsive spending,  To be able to change the behaviors that led to unhealthy outcomes and negative consequences, you will need to better understand your experiences and the effects that these have had on your thoughts, beliefs, and ways that you have handled life’s stresses.  Counseling can be both helpful and effective in accomplishing change in these areas. 

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