I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.
Medication and Mental Health
Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. I do not prescribe medication but will work with other professionals to help monitor any prescribed medication’s effectiveness in conjunction with our work together. My role is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and identify non-medication strategies to help expand on your strengths and help you accomplish your goals for living your best life.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. The length of time counseling might take for you to accomplish your goals depends on many different factors including your desire for personal development, your commitment and consistency to attend sessions, as the particular complexities of the issues that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place. We will reassess your progress in 6-8 week increments and readjust goals and strategies as needed.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success. Maintaining consistently scheduled appointments, following through on challenges (work outside of our sessions) in between those sessions and giving intentional effort to new life strategies and practices will help you achieve the change you are looking for.
What is Christian Counseling?
Christian counseling integrates spiritual, psychological, social, physical, and environmental interventions. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I use my education, training and the interventions of the profession as any competent counselor would. I am governed by the Texas Code of Ethics for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. In addition, I strive to remain faithful to the Biblical truths as the guide for belief and behavior and the agent of true change and fulfillment. With my additional theological training I am able to provide clients that are looking for a greater faith component in their change process with biblical and Christian-based resources as well as integrate spiritual practices of prayer, scriptural application and spiritual growth strategies.
Do I have to be a Christian to seek your services?
No. I see people of all different backgrounds and meet each and everyone where they are at– especially in the areas of faith and spirituality. The therapeutic relationship is one that requires mutual respect and truth and I believe that one of my highest duties as a therapist and a Christ-follower is to do my very best to see, know and understand each of my clients for who they are and help them to be all that they have the potential to be.
