What kind of therapy do I practice?
Mental health professionals vary in how they think about problems and challenges people face. Some professionals think problems reside within the person, while other professionals think problems are based on the person’s past or a medical condition.
My approach is based on Bowen Family Systems Theory which considers a broader context of emotional and relationship system variables when addressing life challenges. I offer an alternative perspective to think about how problems that occur within an individual impact what goes on between people and vice versa. In this way, problems that are created and/or reacted to in a relationship system are then addressed and corrected by the system itself.
What is it like to work with a counselor?
I help people understand themselves and their relationships and consider how problems are co-created. With increased awareness, you can stop taking all the blame or stop giving all the blame. And you replace it with renewed confidence that you can have more control over your happiness and choices, even in the face of life and relationship challenges.
In working together, I will never tell you what to do or how to solve you or your relationship’s problems. Instead, I will ask thoughtful questions that will help you develop new thinking and create new choices. The clinical hour is where you gather energy and clarity to work on new ways of thinking and relating to others outside of sessions. While the consultation session is important, change happens between sessions.
What are the benefits of therapy?
While I cannot guarantee the specific outcome or result you will receive from participating in counseling. I can share some of the growth my clients have developed by working on themselves throughout the therapy process:
- Not letting anxiety keep you isolated and disconnected
- Take other behavior less personally
- Meet own needs better instead of over-giving until depleted
- More comfortable connecting emotionally and physically with their spouse
- More confident than can handle challenges or emotions on their own
- Less angry at ex and more clear on what need to work on in future relationships
- Care about others while being less of a people pleaser
- Pursue goals instead of being frozen in fear
- Needing to take less medication to manage symptoms
If any of these benefits of therapy sound like areas you want to work on or grow in, schedule free 15-minute phone consult with me. And you’ll be one step closer to reaching your personal and relationship goals.
How long does counseling take? How often will we meet?
It is important to me that you make progress toward your goals. While there are no guarantees, most of my clients have the results they are looking for in about 10-20 sessions. We will go deep as well as consider the broader relationship context in which problems occur. And we will have ongoing discussions on your progress toward your goals. If at any time, you or I think another therapist would be a better fit, we can explore options.
My clients start with weekly appointments for the first month, then we re-evaluate each month if spacing out sessions is a good idea so they can have more time in between sessions to work on their goals. This gives clients the opportunity to think, observe, and practice new ways of thinking between sessions.
How much does counseling cost? Do you take my insurance?
For a complete list of my rates for counseling services as well as answers to frequently asked questions about whether or not I take insurance and which ones, please read my Fee page.
How do I get the most out of counseling?
The more active you are in the process, the more you will get out of counseling. The most important thing is to be ready to take responsibility for the direction of your life and/or your part in the relationship problems. We all want someone to tell us to what to do sometimes, but I want you to walk away feeling empowered and trusting yourself again.
People don’t often realize they need to come prepared to their counseling session. Having goals or problems you want to address will help focus the session. And observing and monitoring your own progress toward your goals will help fine tune the work you do between sessions.
Counseling is an investment of time and money, and you want to get the most out of your investment in yourself and your relationships. For more ideas including keeping a counseling journal, read 8 Ways to Make the Most of the Counseling.
How do I schedule an appointment with this counselor?
Appointments are available on weekdays from Monday-Thursday and one evening a week in my Independence MO office, but I also work with residents of surrounding cities such as Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, and Grain Valley. I work with men, women, and married couples who are struggling with their relationships and/or experiencing anxiety.
Finding a counselor near you that is a good fit for you is a personal decision. To help you explore what it would be like to work with me and further answer your questions about counseling, schedule free 15-minute phone consult with me. And you’ll be on your way to discovering how you can begin growing your confidence and connections.
Note: Counseling for men, women, and couples is available in my Independence office, but I also see clients who reside in surrounding cities of Blue Springs, Grain Valley, and Lee’s Summit.