[vc_custom_heading text=”My Philosophy” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Homemade%20Apple%3Aregular|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”]
I take a holistic and integrative approach to helping client heal through the counseling relationship, working with the mind, body, thoughts and emotions.
I believe what the research says about the therapeutic relationship being the true healing vehicle in counseling. Models, approaches, and interventions are far more powerful with the safety and comfort of a safe and trusting relationship. My approach is authentic, warm, accepting, and validating.
I often think of my role in counseling as the pilot of a helicopter above a forest on an intercom with the a client who is stuck in the trees, navigating them through to a clearing so I can land and invite them into the helicopter and we can fly together. Sometimes I am flying, sometimes I’m teaching them to fly; ultimately they drop me off and pilot solo. My approach to clinical supervision is much the same.
Graduate programs give you the foundation of knowledge about counseling. Supervised clinical practice gives you the time and space to apply that knowledge, wrestle with it, and ultimately develop a better understanding of who you are a therapist.
My role as a supervisor is to help you with the mechanics and art of counseling, navigate murky ethical waters, and gain confidence in your skills. I find that clinical supervision is much like counseling in that my first task is to build rapport with you, followed by doses of gently challenging you, validating your efforts, helping you process overwhelm, and develop skills and techniques to better help your clients.
My role as a clinical supervisor is not to critique you and point out flaws or mold you into who I think you should be but rather my role is to notice what your passion is and blow on that flame until it’s a roaring fire. You might consider me part sojourner, part guide, and always present.
