What is counseling all about?
At some point in our lives, we all run into problems that seem too big or too persistent to handle alone. Yet our pride and fears can get in the way of asking for help. Making the decision to find help is a sign of strength and courage. And help is available. In fact, it can make the difference between feeling that things are spinning out of control and gaining new tools to turn life around in positive ways.
“I wish my wife and I had learned this stuff 20 years ago!”
From couple’s “Thank you” letter
Exploring this Springs Counseling Services website reveals that you are taking the crucial first steps to seek help. You may have some questions about therapy. You may wonder, for example, what is the best way to go about finding the right therapist?
Springs Counseling Services counselors are bound by a “higher standard”. We not only observe the laws of confidentiality and state-defined therapies; we also follow strict ethical codes related to our professional licensures and certifications. More over, we require our counselors to practice and promote moral standards. You can rest assured that all our mental health professionals are ethically…and morally bound to promote only effective and safe therapy practices.
“I spent so much in the past on other therapy that was well-meant. But I ended up no better and frustrated. Thank you for helping me to find my way instead of what others were trying to get me to do.”
Testimony from female client
Therapy is a collaborative process, so finding the right match - someone with whom you have a sense of rapport - is critical. You may have to shop around before you find someone you are comfortable with. After you find someone, keep in mind that therapy is work and sometimes can be painful. But it also can be rewarding and life changing.
The decision to see a therapist is a very personal decision. Many times, people choose therapy during times of stress and emotional pain, and it may also be when you want to grow and mature.
“My wife and grown children are starting to talk to me again. I’m on my way up a long road to being a healthy dad and husband.”
Recovering father
The decision to call a therapist may be a difficult one but is viewed as a strength - not knowing the answers to all your life questions is normal. When you call Springs Counseling Services to inquire about seeking therapy, a qualified therapist (not an underpaid clerk-typist) will listen to your concerns and help you decide upon the most appropriate course of action. Our clients' concerns commonly include, but are not limited to: anxiety, depression, relationship and family problems, school problems, parenting difficulties, divorce and separation adjustment, career and personal decisions, childhood abuse, bereavement, and life transitions.
“I was wounded deeply growing up as a child. I suffered through two bad marriages. Thank you for being my counselor. I’m starting a new life, I feel so great...I’m doing great!
Mature client
Your first step is to call Springs Counseling Services. In just a minute or two you can explain what you are going through and what you would like help with.
Call. Take that first step. We know it is not always easy. We’ll listen…then you decide.
Coming to know your own situation in a more meaningful way can be made possible through accurate listening and reflecting. …In other words, there is hope.
Methods Used
Springs Counseling Services provides the newest—empirically based—methods of psychotherapy and counseling:
Individual Therapy – One-on-one therapy with clients of all ages to help resolve a wide range of problems and challenges using a variety of theoretical orientations.
Couples Therapy – Therapy aimed at helping couples resolve conflicts, learn effective communication skills, and develop fulfilling relationships.
Family Therapy – Family members participate in therapy together to resolve problems. It is aimed at improving communication and problem solving skills.
Parent Counseling – Counseling for parents to learn valuable parenting and communication skills for use with their children.
Intensives – Multi-hour and multi-day sessions of deep therapy for individuals, couples and families. Overnight accommodations and transportation may need to be arranged.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – Highly effective method for changing our old fears, habits and dysfunctional coping skills. Works for many kinds of personal and relational issues.
Collaborative Communication Therapy – Often used with couples, parents, families, and groups for developing more effective communication. Highly recommended method.
Motivational Interviewing – A newer method of applying various forms of needed therapy. Works best with highly resistant clients caught in struggles between old dependencies and addictions. Helps client to find their own motivation for getting better.
Testing and Assessments – Often called “inventories” or “diagnostic tools” these processes involve the client responding to a series of questions or situations. Results help the client to know more about him or her self. When used properly these tools are highly useful in the counseling process.
EMDR – Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing. A newer field of therapy often used to process past traumatic events, PTSD, unresolved issues, etc. The military is currently promoting this scientific method for returning solders with issues.
Mediation – Sessions whereby two or more persons with issues and property to be decided upon come together over a short period of time. Matters are voluntarily handled with the help of a Certified Mediator. What is agreed upon is recorded in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This process, when notarized, is recognized by most courts.