Reasons for Seeking Counseling

Individuals, couples and families all have their own reasons for seeking the help of a counselor: to solve problems and deal with issues arising from normal growth and developmental changes; to face unexpected events or crises, and; to increase satisfaction and meaning in their lives and relationships.

Distress signals that might indicate the need for counseling include: persistent dissatisfaction with marriage or family life; constant work related problems; behavioral or school problems of children; sexual problems or concerns; difficulties in communicating with others; feelings of loneliness, depression, inadequacy, or anxiety; problems managing anger; difficulties in setting or reaching goals, or making decisions; alcohol or drug use problems; drastic changes in weight or eating patterns.

Counseling Approach

I counsel individuals, couples and families who I believe have the capacity to resolve their own problems with my assistance. I believe that as people become more accepting of themselves, they are more capable of finding happiness and contentment in their lives. However, self-awareness and self-acceptance are goals that sometimes take a long time to achieve. Some people need only a few counseling sessions to achieve their goals, while others may require several months. As a client, you are in complete control and may end our counseling relationship at any point. A result of effective counseling should enable you to face life's future challenges without the therapist's direct support or intervention.

Counseling, however, cannot be effective if you only concentrate on your issues and concerns once a week. Therefore, as part of my approach, I will ask that you do specific activities and/or read specific books that will help to speed up the time it takes for you to work out your concerns and problems.

My approach to counseling includes a blend of Family Systems Theory, Adlerian, Existential, Transactional Analysis, Behavioral, Rational-Emotive, and Reality Therapies.