What causes problems?

There are several interplaying factors that cause mental health challenges. There are four factors that influence a person’s mental health: biological factors, environmental factors, psychological factors, and social factors.

How do I get better?

I view counseling as a process of learning. First, learning about what has caused and sustains your challenge(s). Second, learning knowledge and skills that will help you manage the challenge differently. Third, applying that knowledge and skills to make change.

As such, I view my role as a compassionate facilitator of new learning. Unless you request otherwise, my approach tends to be more directive. I want to help you learn what you need to learn to get the change and relief you are seeking. If you prefer a non-directive approach, I’m happy to provide that.

Evidence-based practice

My approach to decide what learning needs to happen is informed by the evidence-based practice framework. This framework recommends that clinicians and clients base treatment decisions on three domains:

  • The client’s preferences and realities
  • The best available clinical research and practice wisdom
  • The clinician’s expertise

Counseling process

My counseling process have six phases:

  1. Free consultation – the first chat we have is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. It is chance to hear how I would work with the challenge you are facing, and a chance for you to see if we “click”.
  2. Assessment – if you decide to work with me then we will explore the presenting problem(s) to develop an understanding of what caused and sustains your challenges.
  3. Clarify treatment targets – we will discuss the areas you would like to change and develop a strategy for measuring your progress towards those changes.
  4. Develop treatment plan – I will present different treatment options and you will decide which best fits your preferences and circumstances.
  5. Treatment implementation and measurement – I will administer the treatment you choose. We will measure your progress towards your goals. Those measures will help us know if we need to change your treatment to maximize their potency.
  6. Review and transition – when you have reached your goals we will review the skills you learned to make the change and develop a plan to transition you out of this episode of care.