Psychotherapy: Experience

​What is the role of experience compared with training and orientation? Evidence suggests that training and 'school' of psychology is relevant for about five years then experience takes over.

Hopefully after five years the clinician has integrated their training and no longer counsels from a intellectual program. Instead the therapist is free to be real and encounters the client(s) in a real way. This helps everyone to be real and relax.

I have reached this stage of being relaxed and comfortable with myself and natural with clients in a way that allows them to be comfortable with me. In this state of relaxed alertness we are able to be more creative and productive and insights seem to flow well.

I am happy with my training and my experience. I have over 40 years experience and a Masters of Science degree in School and Community Psychology. I find I am able to quickly focus on the essential issues and goals are achieved quickly. Christian sessions always begins with prayer inviting God's Spirit to be present and work in us and with us to make the session effective and it is so.

Counsellors have different emphasis in their practice. I guide clients in a process of experiencing significant life change by discovering and resolving the root issues and core beliefs behind their symptoms. I enjoy this. It would be my my joy to help you achieve permanent changes in your life.

Your main issue - the symptoms of core issues - might be addictions, depression, anxiety, or the loss of a marriage that works. You may have had too much loss, or trauma, or heartache.  You may realize your life has repetitive problems and do not know how to stop them. These are the kinds of issues/symptoms that my training and experience equips me to deal with. 

As in cognitive behavioural therapy, I focus on core beliefs. I listen to you and your feelings. People begin to feel less depressed and more sane and confident in themselves. My gentle, non-judgemental approach is ideal for someone needing to consolidate identity or support in a major crisis.
In couple work I use Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy. In individual work I make use of: Memory Consolidation, the Journey, and inner healing tools. Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy is explained in "Hold Me Tight" by Sue Johnson. "The Journey" is described in Brandon Bays book by that title.