Philosophy and Approach: I
approach counseling as a facilitator of growth and holistic health. I believe
it is my role as a therapist to help guide clients to discover those things in
the past and in the present that are affecting their mental well-being. I also
believe that it is my role to help clients identify their unused resources
within themselves and in their environment and to initiate use of them. Through
this new understanding and insight clients can begin to develop new choices for
themselves now and in the future.
When working with children I use the non-directive techniques of
child-centered play therapy to provide a safe, comfortable and nurturing
environment where the child can express himself or herself freely. I believe it
is my role as a therapist to develop a relationship with each child that will
cultivate an environment where the child can begin to heal.
When working with adolescents I strive to find the language of each individual client so I may better help them. Adolescents often relate to the world differently and best express themselves in ways other than traditional talk therapy. Music, photography, journaling, art or sand tray therapy are frequently used when working with adolescents.
When working with adolescents I strive to find the language of each individual client so I may better help them. Adolescents often relate to the world differently and best express themselves in ways other than traditional talk therapy. Music, photography, journaling, art or sand tray therapy are frequently used when working with adolescents.
My theoretical orientation is strongly rooted in Family System’s Theory
which states that you impact and are impacted by your family of origin and the
family you are currently part of. Additionally, I often focus my interventions
from Person-Centered Theory. It is my belief that each individual processes a
natural tendency to move towards positive change and is capable of
self-direction when in the appropriate environment. As a Person-Centered
therapist it is my responsibility to help develop a nurturing, empathetic and
mutually respectful relationship with each client. It is within the context of
this relationship that change takes place. This approach also encourages the
client to guide the direction of therapy and views the client as the expert in
his or her reality.
Lastly, I come from a holistic view of mental health. I believe that in
order for clients to have a strong state of mental health they need to address
not only their psychological health, but also their physical and spiritual
health. To do so I will encourage clients to evaluate the functioning of these
areas of life and work with them to develop these areas, if acceptable to the
client.
Formal Education and Training: I
hold a Masters Degree in Counseling from George Fox University. Major
coursework includes: marriage and family therapy, play therapy, Imago couple’s
therapy and human growth and development. Special training in play therapy with
the Northwest Center for Play Therapy Studies such as Building
Relationships: Ecosystemic Play Therapy in Infant-Preschool Mental Health
and Play Therapy Strategies with Aggressive and Behaviorally Disruptive
Children as well as special training in Love and Logic Parenting.