Barbara Ann's Approach to Counseling & Therapy
I believe a courageous person enters the therapy door to begin the counseling process. It is quite likely that you have been thinking about this journey for a long time, and don’t know what to expect. You are inviting a stranger into your personal and intimate self. This therapeutic process can be compared to a flower that is beginning to open one petal at a time. Yet, it is difficult to imagine such a beautiful life force while you may be filled with problems that are interfering with your entire well-being.
The first meeting is the beginning of the therapeutic relationship, and I am always honored and humbled to be a part of this process. The honest relationship between therapist and client is the most important factor that allows one to realize his/her full potential. Establishing this meaningful therapeutic alliance is essential to developing a safe place for you to explore thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Throughout our time together, I am with you as a caring, non-judgmental, and open minded person. I will be with you as you share your personal difficulties and pain. We will also look at your personal strengths and your coping skills that you may not recognize or acknowledge. We will develop a plan of treatment, and will journey together as you develop new skills to help promote growth and personal fulfillment. Drawing from principles of researched psychological theories, I use tools and techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused therapy, and choice therapy, always being mindful of your needs. Children express and act out their feelings through play. I am skilled and comfortable with play, often getting on the floor and engaging the child at his/her level..
I will help you learn and listen to yourself as you face life challenges. You may be experiencing many emotions such as stress, anger, sadness, fear, and depression. We will work with all of these feelings to empower you to make positive changes in your life.
During our sessions, I will be engaged listening to you and giving you appropriate feedback. I often present homework for you to practice between sessions. Your homework may be relaxation exercises, journaling, exploring your cognitive thoughts, or whatever else we decide will benefit your growth. I believe that therapy is a life process that is ongoing, and not just for the one hour spent together. Ultimately, therapy is about learning the positive coping skills that you implement to improve your quality of life.
I look forward to meeting and working with you.
