Counseling and Therapy
Counseling is the sharing-listening process focused on specific problems and situations. Through counseling and support, clarity often emerges. Some typical counseling situations include marriage preparation, marriage problems, stress, grief, divorce, anxiety, family conflict, communication difficulties, and depression.
Therapy is a process of self-discovery and healing; it focuses more upon the process than the content. Healing from previous traumas, discovering the roots of repressed anger, overcoming inhibitions, exploring sexuality, managing phobias, changing self-defeating behaviors, and freeing new dimensions of one’s self are some typical kinds of therapeutic goals.
Marriage and family therapy involves a specific approach to solving individual, couple, and family problems utilizing principles and concepts from family systems theory. Marriage and family therapists treat many of the same types of presenting problems that other mental health professionals treat, but they do so from the social systems framework of the entire family. The main goals of couple therapy are to help couples heal and to help individuals change within the context of the entire family system.
Internal Family Systems therapy, pioneered by Dr. Richard Schwartz, is a process of working with traumatized clients to help them find ways to heal their inner conflicts. It is based on the exploration of “parts” to assist the return of “Self” to lead the inner system. Parts are seen as welcome, but immature, and unable to lead. Since trauma has caused the Self to abdicate, parts have taken over in the vacuum of leadership. Over time, parts that have been deeply hurt are unburdened, Self moves back into leadership, and the other parts are able move to more meaningful roles.
Individual Counseling/Therapy
I provide individual counseling and therapy to help clients address and navigate a myriad of personal issues, including:
- Stress, anxiety and depression
- Loss and grief
- Trauma
- Communication, intimacy, and relationships
- Career challenges
- Increased mindfulness and peace
Couples/Marriage and Family Therapy
Today’s couples and families face numerous challenges. Whether assisting families, couples or individuals, I have helped many work through a wide range of difficulties in a relationships, including:
- Communication problems
- Conflict resolution
- Anxiety and stress
- Family abuse and trauma
- Extended family and intergenerational conflicts
- Pre-marital counseling
- Divorce adjustment
Alcohol and Drug Counseling
Alcoholism and drug addiction hurt the whole family. I understand many of the hurts, complexities, and the recovery processes of addiction. Having grown up with alcoholism, it has been my passion to help others thrive in recovery.
I have completed clinical training at Presbyterian Hospital in Oklahoma City, both inpatient and outpatient, and am state-licensed as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) and as a Clinical Supervisor. I am also state-licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and am able to use that experience and expertise in working with individuals, couples and families.
Care for Pastors
Counseling and therapy services are provided for pastors in transition and crisis. As a pastor for 36 years, having served in many places and settings, I know firsthand the pressures and challenges placed not only on clergy, but also their families. Serving in today’s culture, it is a new day to deal with finances, time constraints, expectations, family issues, and conflict. Over time, hurts, disappointments and shattered visions take their toll. I can help in the healing process.