Individual Counseling for Adults

"The only service you can do for anyone is remind them of their true heart."

--Stephen Levine 

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The Most Important Thing

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Two counselors are debating what they believe makes the most difference in a successful counseling experience. The first says "it's the training of the counselor and the passion that they bring to their work that makes the difference." The wiser counselor nods, smiles, and says, "I think it's that the person shows up for their appointment."

Showing up is perhaps the most important thing. Even if you don't walk away from a session with any earth-shaking insights, you have given yourself an hour to slow down, ask some sincere questions, and begin to relate to yourself with more wisdom and kindness.

It is very important to have a good relationship with your counselor. I offer free 30-minute consultations to ensure that we will be an appropriate fit. If we are, then the work has already begun. My style is rooted in person-centered counseling and mindfulness meditation. You will be working with another quirky human being who has learned how to laugh at himself on a daily basis.

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Some people work with me for a short period of time to overcome a very specific obstacle in their life. Others may wish to work with me on a long-term basis if the unfolding or awakening process itself is the focus. I check in with my clients regularly to ensure that the work with me is helpful. 

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Specific Issues or Concerns

I have over 15 years of experience working with others through the following concerns:

Anxiety and Fear

Shame

Self-Doubt/Imposter Syndrome

Depression

Grief and Loss

Men's Issues

Obsessive Thinking

Addictive Patterns

Life Transitions

Existential Issues (death, isolation, meaning/life purpose)

Spiritual Seeking

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Counseling with Meditation Support

There is a story about a Zen master on her deathbed. One of her students approaches, and asks “how are you doing with this dying process?” The master smiles and responds, “I am doing just fine, but my body is having a hard time catching up with that.”

The master is pointing to the courage it takes to acknowledge that even though we may understand something intellectually, we don’t necessarily feel this to be true. We all know what it is like to know we shouldn’t be anxious about something, and yet we are anxious. 

My approach to counseling incorporates guided meditations that may help you become more familiar with how you store anxiety, trauma, shame, depression, and insecurity in your body. Learning how to be with these experiences directly, rather than believing the story your mind is telling you, is a practice and a great tool for learning to ride the inevitable waves of life with greater understanding, resilience, and compassion. 

I would be honored to help you start, grow, and maintain a meditation practice while we work together. Anybody can learn to meditate, and having a trained teacher can help. Meditation has been shown to have the following benefits:

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Reduces stress, fear and anxiety

Promotes emotional health

Improves self-awareness

Improves concentration and focus

Improves capacity for kindness

May help reduce addictive behaviors

Improves sleep

Reduces feelings of depression

Helps to cope with pain

Can decrease blood pressure

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I make services available regardless of race, color, national origin/ancestry, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, military/veteran status, or marital status. 

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I offer counseling services to adults in the Hillsborough area.

If you would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact me. 

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