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How does therapy work, anyway?

Counseling helps you understand you, which can positively affect the choices you make, your current relationships, and your ability to thrive as the person you were created to be.

 

Therapy is a Relationship.
The quality of the connection between therapist and client is the most important aspect of the therapy process –  even more than the methods and techniques. Ultimately, therapy is at its best when you feel safe to be truthful with your counselor.  Talking with a counselor can provide you with alternative perspectives to your circumstances, validation that your feelings or concerns do matter, and a place where you can work through difficulties without condemnation or shame.

Therapy is a Process, and Healing can take Time. 
Getting unstuck can be like unraveling a ball of string.  Making sense of the information that is uncovered along the way is as important as getting to the core of an issue. On the other hand, you don’t have to be in a crisis or in pain to benefit from counseling.   In fact, many people seek the counsel of a therapist when they are making an important decision or need support during a life change.

Some people say counseling is a gift you give yourself.

Therapy is Unique to the Person Seeking Treatment.  
The kind of treatment you receive will depend on a variety of factors such as the issues that bring you to counseling in the first place, your therapist’s skills and training, current research, and the goals you and your therapist set for the outcome.

Pastoral Counseling Adds Another  Dimension to the Therapy Process.  
Human life is more than biology.  Pastoral counseling attunes to the spirit and soul of a person as well as the mind and body.  As pastoral counselors, we recognize the inherent value, purpose, dignity and worth of an individual.  We are an ecumenical Christian organization but our counselors work with people from all faiths as well as those who do not practice any faith.

Therapeutic Approaches Vary.  
Cognitive-behavioral therapy usually involves action on the part of the client.  You may be asked to log reactions to a situation or work on a new skill between sessions.  In contrast, humanistic approaches and psycho-dynamic theories rely on talking through experiences, feelings, or thoughts.  Your family history, early memories, or past experiences may be discussed to help you and your therapist understand root causes to your situation.  Some counselors use psychological assessments as a tool.  Most therapists blend elements from more than one approach, according to their client’s need.

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Affordable, compassionate care since 1976