Initially I assist clients in clarifying their goals and emerging from ambivalence to action. My work incorporates a holistic, multi-phasic approach. Initially, there is a practical and pragmatic approach to assist the client in gaining clarity and directionality toward their goals. This is accomplished by incorporating developmentally appropriate strategies, and providing optimally matched tools and strategies. 

From here some choose to go on and explore their core complexes and personal history. My guidance and approach takes in the whole picture: culture, values, beliefs, social/historical context, story, and most importantly who you are!

Any action taken will not be well-founded if we lack the whole picture. There are always causes and conditions involved, failure to look at the whole picture means realism is lost. With awareness of the whole picture our outlook then becomes reasonable, and our actions become practical. In this way favourable results will be achieved.

Why do I put coaching, counseling, and consulting? Because each approach is somewhat different. (I have experience and training in all three areas).
Counseling is sometimes referred to as psychotherapy. Traditional Western Psychotherapy has as its main objective to bring the client into social adjustment. In my humble opinion, current psychotherapy is diagnostically and pathologically driven. All too frequently used in conjunction with pharmaceutical interventions. I am not saying that pharmaceuticals are not warranted in some cases. However, I believe that one should stay in their lane; that is stick to your area of training and skills, I am not a pharmacologist, nor do I agree with the massive dispensing of psychotropic substances. One does not have to look far to see the results. Consider the opioid epidemic introduced and supported by the medical establishment., pharmaceutical industry, HMO’s and insurance companies. Do your research and form your own conclusions. As previously mentioned, it makes little sense to adjust to a sick society; nor to reduce the complexities of the whole individual to a label and simply seek pathology elimination. 

I view us as a unified field. Hence, my work takes a more holistic approach; incorporating all elements of our total being.

Counseling is a joint venture where client and counselor are working together in a passionate partnership. The principal idea is that the client is stuck in ambivalence (a common human experience) and that the counselor works with the client to assist the client in gaining greater clarity, and directionality. From here, the client and counselor decide on the action plan, and its implementation while counsellor providing support and encouragement.

 

Consulting is much more directive. The consultant is seen as the expert, or has the knowledge of the given subject. An example being, is where I am called in for a special education consultation. Here I offer my observations, knowledge and expertise in this area.
Each situation has specific needs requiring the necessary tools, strategies, and direction. 

 

So, how does one begin working with me?

The first step is contact (reach out- email, phone, WhatsApp…) we then agree for an initial meeting at a location of your choice. Many choose to meet in quiet coffee shops, parks, boardwalk.… 

When feasible, I prefer a live meeting prior to any virtual work. I strongly believe that there is much missed in virtual counseling. However, it has its applications given differing geographic locations, accessibility etcetera. During the COVID reset I did my share of virtual sessions.

We typically meet in a place that you’re comfortable with to see if you’re interested in my approach, and we are compatible. I operate on a cash, Venmo… payment as most insurance companies do not pay for services.

The initial meeting is a 30-minute interview to see if I can be of assistance, and a working relationship can be established. The initial consult is 30 minutes. Half the time of my typical one-hour session. My rate is $80/hour. So, that would be $ 40 for the initial consult. I hope you feel as I do, that this is more than reasonable.

I offer 1-hour minimum sessions for a full 60 minutes, (not the typical agency 45-50 mins.) I do not do any insurance billing as I do not like the potential of compromising confidentiality, electronic health record access by insurance carriers, and possible subpoenas. 

Originally the DSM (Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, now 5^th edition: DSM-5) intention was intended to be used to assist in directionality and clarification of treatment, and not be used with insurance or third parties. Sadly, this is not the case. So, in short a few of the reasons I do not take insurance.

I also offer intensives, what do I mean by that? We block out a set amount of one-on-one intensive time in a location of your choice. (logistics to be cooperatively decided based upon need). For example, I’ve had clients fly in and spend from one to seven days to initially stabilize and work through a crisis and formulate protocols and a game plan. I’ve also flown and travelled to client’s locations. (Cost arranged and discussed.)

I came to see this need when faced with my own compounded/complicated issues during a less than desirable divorce. This entailed a: job change, bankruptcy, moving, and need to care and emotionally support three young children through the process. I wanted to go away for a short period of time from the mess in order to: de-escalate, breath, gain clarity, tools and perspective in order to figure out my action plan. From there I would return to the front lines equipped and implement a plan. With no such option existing I had to create one, as nothing like this was available to me. Fortunately, I possessed the skills and knowledge to do this. If you need to “step back from the ledge”, and this resonates with you

 reach out to schedule a consultation. I am here to support you in this process.

This is program is custom designed and tailored to meet your needs. It typically involves long dialogs in a comfortable setting in nature. It could be: sailing, biking, hiking, sharing a meal or as you wish. This experience facilitates gaining clarity in formulating an action plan; with offering on-going support to you while working through these challenges.