We researched the various programs and determined that SKYPE.COM, Facetime and WhatsApp provided a secure and easy method for those who desired to use their computer as a network for counseling and therapy. We have used the new system and the following were some of the client comments:

•  WITH MY COMPUTER IT IS EASIER TO DO THE WORK FROM THE COMFORT OF MY HOME IN A FACE-TO-FACE SESSION.
• THE HASSLE OF COMMUTE OFTEN DETRACTED FROM THE INSIGHT I RECEIVED IN MY SESSION.
• MY SCHEDULE IS COMPLICATED AND I AM NOW ABLE TO KEEP SESSIONS, NO MATTER WHERE MY COMPANY SENDS ME.
• MY WIFE AND I FOUND THE INTERNET SESSIONS A FOCAL POINT FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS.

As practicing pastoral counselors in a Christian environment, we are faced with the opportunity of integrating modern psychotherapy and spirituality in promoting emotional well-being. Using short-term cognitive behavior therapy, we work collaboratively with our clients to identify issues blocking them from enjoying life, relationships and connection with their own unique spiritual essence. 

​Our goal is to  provide the individual or family a clear direction allowing them to move toward a full life. We show them  the tools to detect the dis-eased thinking patterns and unconscious behaviors which contribute to their emotional disturbance.These emotional problems are often the result of an unconscious response to people, places and events in their lives. Ultimately  our job is to empower individuals to consciously deal with the stresses of life, allowing them  to enjoy a positive and peaceful journey.

Our objective is to provide the most professional and spiritual direction for our clients in a manner that brings them greater comfort and growth. 

We will tailor sessions to meet the individual problems of the client. Our general objective is to provide 6 to 10 sessions but longer care is offered if the client and therapist believe it will be helpful.

Each individual has a different background and concern, which needs the skill and understanding of regular meetings with a therapist. Our focus is on Cognitive/Behavioral Therapy as a fundamental tool to help our clients into recovery.

Adolescence is a time of transition from childhood into adulthood which involves many challenges including: the pressures to perform in school, make decisions on future goals, deal with peer pressure and connect to God on their own terms. Often, teens, in an attempt to meet varying expectations and find approval from parents, teachers, faith leaders and friends, can feel lost and overwhelmed. Bullying can also cause a great deal of psychological distress. These challenges and pressures can result in many different emotional responses ranging from mild confusion to serious anxiety, depression, and rage. Signs and symptoms of emotional distress may include fearfulness, social withdrawal, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, low frustration tolerance, a lack of self-confidence, poor social skills, rebelliousness, school avoidance or poor academic performance. 

Often adolescents feel alone and as if no one really likes them. It is my pleasure to work with adolescents to help them find themselves, to sort out confusion and to empower them to realize their full emotional and social potential. Using a cognitive-behavioral counseling approach I help adolescents understand how certain ways of thinking can cause emotional disturbance and learn how to be in control of their thoughts and emotions in order to feel better and make good choices. In some cases a systems approach works best in order to support parents do the hardest job in the world; raising teens.  

Working with both the parent and teen, the goal is to help parents to better understand their teens, find effective ways of communication and use a strengths-based approach in order to improve the parent-child relationship and change behaviors that work against rather than toward a loving and harmonious home. 

We work with adolescents having problems with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relational issue including the impact of divorce and blended families, behavioral issues, social anxiety, perfectionism, substance use and anger. 

Have you tried to quit using drugs or alcohol but haven’t been successful? Science indicates that addiction is a chronic disease, such as diabetes and is not a moral failing. Drugs and alcohol actually hijack the brain causing cravings and irrational thinking that perpetuates the addiction. The most alarming aspect of addiction is that it reaches deep into your life negatively impacting your relationships, career, health and your connection to God. It also weighs heavily on the ones you love. It is extremely hard to beat addiction alone. But there is hope and change is possible.

Therapy to treat addictive behaviors focuses on: 

• a) identifying and addressing the underlying causes for why you started to use drugs/alcohol, 
• b) learning strategies that have been proven to effectively work to attain and sustain recovery, 
• c) using stress management and emotional regulation techniques 
• d) strengthening your connection to God.

 Cognitive behavior therapy is used to treat addiction to substances and behaviors such as:

Alcohol

Cocaine

Crack

Opiates (e.g. vicodin, oxycontin, oxycodone, percocet)

Heroin

Benzodiazepines (e.g. valium, ativan, xanax)

Sex

Pornography

Cutting

Ambivalence about giving up drugs/alcohol is a normal part of the recovery process but once you’ve made a committed decision to change and to get help your journey to wellness has begun. Therapy will provide you with the motivation, support, accountability and compassion to enable you to feel good about yourself and liberate you from the shackles of addiction.

If you answer yes to more than one of these questions it is probable that you are dependent on drugs or alcohol. Please take that step and call for an appointment

1.     Have you ever felt you ought to cut down on your drinking or drug use?

2.     Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking or drug use?

3.     Have you felt bad or guilty about your drinking or drug use?

4.     Have you ever had a drink or drugs first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?