PHILOSOPHY

 

Many times a client is interested in how the Treatment Process works. Just how does Counseling work? In my view, the most important ingredient affecting a positive outcome is the motivation of the client to feel better and/or do better.

The role of the provider is to assist the client in accessing inner strengths and solutions they might not be aware of. This involves some problem solving discussions to first identify the source of the difficulty. Also important is the developing of understanding as to what may contribute to or reduce the negative impact of the problem or problems troubling the individual, couple or family.

Coming from a Humanistic background I believe most people possess the real solutions to their problems although sometimes they are unable to access those solutions without assistance. Many times my role is that of a consultant to the client or clients in discovering those solutions and finding ways to reduce the trouble they are experiencing.

I like to take an active role in the counseling process. Through active discussions and sharing of ideas the process can move in a positive direction. My training and experiences offers the client or clients a resource that taps in on many years of talking with/treating people with similar problems. While each individual, couple or family is unique, there are themes that often emerge that can be noted and addressed from my treatment experience.

Understanding that most people are looking for quick relief, I utilize a Brief Therapy approach which is known to be quite successful in reducing or eliminating problems in a short time. Most people are eager to get on with the business of living and enjoying their lives. Therefore, a Brief Approach moves them in that direction and the therapy can be accomplished in a short number of sessions. When necessary, I coordinate treatment with a Psychiatrist who will prescribe psychiatric medications for certain conditions. In most situations, unless the circumstances are crisis ridden or acute, sessions (after the first 1 or 2) will take place every 2 or 3 weeks. This allows for attempts at new ways of addressing the problem and practicing solutions. I often note that the easy part is the actual counseling session with the real challenge occurring in-between sessions as clients practice changed behaviors.

It is important to understand and feel confident that the counseling process is Confidential. This principle is a cornerstone of the treatment process. For, if a person does not trust the privacy of the therapy hour, it is unlikely that they will be able to share accurately and in depth what might be troubling them. The section on Confidentiality covers that topic in detail and you are encouraged to review it.