MY SPECIALTIES
FRONT PAGE CONT.
When this is truly a therapeutic relationship it is one characterised by higher levels of deep empathic understanding, a prizing on the part of the therapist for the client, and emotional transparency (genuineness) exhibited by the therapist. These are often referred to as the “core conditions” of helping relationships. Think
of these three as intersecting circles, with empathy at the top, prizing on the left, and genuineness on the right:
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When you can visualize that, you can focus on the intersection of all of the circles and realize that when all three conditions are present, you have the “core of the core conditions,” that which is essential to growth. These qualities can be separated conceptually, but all three are required for effective therapy. This is how I strive to be
in the process of therapy, whether it is with individuals, couples, or families.
INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING
During the course of my practice I have accumulated extensive experience in working with a broad variety of concerns for individuals. My clients have ranged
across a broad spectrum and from all walks of life.
CULTURAL ADAPTION
Moving to a new culture can be both an exhilarating and an exhausting experience. I believe that almost everyone who comes here has not come seeking a cultural experience that is a replica of their home country; they want to have as much of a German/ European experience as possible. But that can be a daunting endeavour. One needs to learn a new language, a new culture, how to integrate with the locals, etc. This often leads to a sense of isolation, frustration, marital discord (one partner has a work culture to rely on, but the other does not). Often counseling can be of benefit for those who struggle with a sense of separation.
COUPLES/RELATIONSHIP COUNSELING
I have been engaged in Marriage (click)/Couples counseling during the entire time of my practice. These have included couples with mixed backgrounds, cultures, languages, and heritages. My personal conviction is that couples almost always seek a deeper emotional contact with their partner and my role is to help them achieve deeper intimacy in this area.
PARENTING/FAMILY THERAPY
I have many years of experience working with children from 10 to 18 as I have also worked in Elementrary, Middle, and High Schools as a Counselor/Consultant in Psychological Services. These situations may be specific to the concerns of the child or may also be related to the relationships with the parents and between the parent(s). Thus, the counselling may involve individual sessions with the child, the parent(s), or the family.
DEPRESSION
Depression can come in many shapes or sizes. True clinical depression is characterized by a significant reduction in the breadth and depth of a broad range of emotions-sort of a “flat-line” in affect. Frequently clients benefit from medication and counseling sessions. While I am not qualified to prescribe medication, I have professional relationships with local medical professionals, including psychiatrists.
Non-clinical depression is that which most people refer to without realizing that it is not the above. These clients frequently experience feeling anxiety, sadness, angry, loneliness, frustration, in a funk, “blue” all the time, general melancholy, etc.
EATING DISORDERS
Anorexia and Bulimia remain an area of particular concern for large numbers of teenagers, young adults, and mature people. Because of my work in schools and in private practice I have encountered many instances where counseling (often in consul-tation with medical professionals) can be an effective intervention.
GRIEF/ANXIETY/STRESS
These three situations may present themselves individually or in some combination with each
other. Grief is best described as the constellation
of emotions we are confronted with when we lose something or someone to which we are significantly attached. This can be a situation, a person (or a group), a place of residence, a pet, or anything else we hold most dear. Many years ago I received Hospice training and have dealt with a broad range of clients (and others) who must face the fear, stress and grief of loss.