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Counseling


Thank you for your interest in counseling!

Unfortunately at this time I am not taking on any new counseling clients due to some health issues I have been dealing with. I suggest using the "therapist finder" on the "Psychology Today" website. It has a listing of therapists in your area as well as what they specialize in and a brief biography. There are hundreds of therapists on there and I am sure you will find someone who would be a good fit.

Having worked in the field of social sciences for several years, I have had the pleasure of working with a wide variety of clients at many transitional periods of their life. I know how difficult struggling with addiction can be for the addict and their family.  


I offer families, and individuals the opportunity to learn the skills and mind set necessary to live a fulfilling life. Many mental health issues may be exhibited by someone with substance about disorders such as:  affective (mood) disorders, personality disorders, agoraphobia, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Whether you are interested in complete abstinence, "cutting down", or just wondering if you might have a chemical abuse problem- we will work together to devise a treatment plan that targets your personal goals.

Unlike traditional treatment models (sometimes known as the "Minnesota Model") you are not required to attend meetings, come four nights a week, or for a certain number of hours (unless legally required). You are expected to work with a professional counselor and together create a treatment plan that has your short and long term goals clearly defined. This counseling process is based on the idea of strengths, personal needs, motivating factors, and interest and ability to change.  If you are able to meet these minimum requirements- you can live the life you want!

Areas that may also be addressed in conjunction with addiction:

  • Legal Problems
  • Adult Child of Alcoholic
  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Boundaries
  • Self-Esteem/Self-Concept
  • Family of Origin
  • Family Relationships
  • Parent/Teen Conflict
  • Stress Management
  • Anger
  • Grief/Loss
  • Sexuality/GLBT
  • Many Mental Health Issues

Cognitive Behavioral Approach to Therapy

"CBT" is based on the cognitive model of mental health and wellness. In its simplest form, the cognitive model is that people’s emotions and behaviors are influenced by their perceptions of events. It is not a situation in and of itself that determines what people feel but rather the way in which they view a situation. Often, how people feel is determined by the way in which they interpret situations rather than by the situations themselves.

Instead of following the 12 step program by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), we focus on CBT because it helps adjust a persons thought patters and in turn changes his or her emotional state or behavior. We can also provide referrals to alternative support groups for those looking for options other than 12 steps and AA programs.

Fundamental to the cognitive model is the way in which cognition, the way we think about things and the content of these thoughts are conceptualized. The main three levels of cognition include:

  1. Core beliefs
  2. Dysfunctional assumptions
  3. Negative automatic thoughts

We work closely with clients to recognize the immediate and automatic thoughts, questioning the validity of those thoughts and how they are able to “replace” those thoughts with more productive, healthier, positive ideas. We work to describe the interconnection between thoughts, feeling and behaviors.

Call or schedule online now so that we can create a personalized substance abuse treatment plan for you.

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