Counseling & consultation

The most common reasons for consultation

In my twenty-five years of counseling experience, I’ve consistently observed that individuals seek counseling primarily for one compelling reason: to address and alleviate pain or to find relief from it. Whether the challenges they face manifest as relationship issues, addiction, grief, depression, infidelity, anxiety, shame, fear, or a quest to “save my marriage,” the common thread is the presence of profound emotional distress.

Pain, being a sensitive and often avoided aspect of our lives, prompts many to adopt seemingly effective but ultimately unsustainable strategies such as avoidance or ignorance. The illusion persists until a momentous event or situation unfolds, forcefully demanding their undivided attention. However, it’s essential to recognize that despite the complexity of pain, there exists a viable solution.

My Roles

My role as a therapist is first and foremost to let you know that you are not defined by the “event or circumstance” that brought you to therapy. That stupid mistake you made, your childhood events, addiction and yes, even the things you don’t dare talk about. Whatever the problem, it only serves to get your full attention and invites you to question worn-out strategies for living your life.

Secondly, my role is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to express your experience. Often, ideas and solutions to your dilemmas or problems will simply appear. Yes, through the courageous act of saying what needs to be said. And with the help of an experienced listener who can help you gain a broader perspective.