Counseling Services
I provide online video counseling to individuals and couples for various emotional and mental health issues. How do you know if you need counseling? If you question whether you need a little help with emotional difficulties, life challenges, mental concerns, and symptoms, then you probably do. Emotional/psychological discomfort can get in the way of your quality of life in several ways. When some disturbing problem, topic, event, or emotion consumes excessive time and energy in your thinking and feelings, it negatively affects self-identity, self-esteem, and performance in work, school, and relationships. You may make non-therapeutic adjustments for coping that can impact your ability to be happy. Therapy can help you sort through your thoughts and feelings, identify the sources of your turmoil, enact solutions to reduce your distress, and ultimately discover ways to harness these experiences to improve your life. Many people initially seek counseling because of unmanaged stress, problems with emotional self-regulation, feeling overwhelmed or being "stuck," relationship problems, difficulty with "transitions," and other general complaints. You may need formal therapy or counseling when your symptoms or complaints meet diagnostic criteria (DSM V). When you feel like you "need a little help," but the level of distress often does not fit the diagnostic criteria for a mental health diagnosis, coaching or consulting could be right for you. See "TransformationalEndeavors.Online" for more information.

Limits to Online Counseling
"Telehealth" or online video counseling for emotional, psychological, and substance use challenges has limitations. "Telementalhealth" is not for crisis management. A higher level of care may be appropriate for people with acute care issues or more severe problems. Those in crisis or who may be experiencing suicidal, homicidal, or self-injurious behavior should instead seek emergency care by calling 911 or going to their local emergency room at the hospital.
Substance Use Disorder
Relationship Challenges
Psychological Well-being
The early recovery goals for substance use disorder typically center around:
a) Understanding and accepting the need for treatment and abstinence, b) Assisting individuals in safely interrupting the momentum of continued substance use and establishing abstinence, c) Preventing relapse through:
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Identification of cues and triggers,
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Development of coping strategies and new skills,
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Building resilience to minimize the risk of relapse.
The development of a recovery-nurturing lifestyle makes realistic goals for long-term recovery possible. Those most able to benefit from my online substance use disorder counseling are already abstinent from mood-altering drugs (including alcohol), have support systems (e.g., home, job, family, 12-step groups, etc.), and are willing and committed to do the work.
I take an integrative approach to couples' counseling, which combines systems theory, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused treatments, and other strategies to help partners work through issues that strain the relationship and create marital unhappiness. This comprehensive approach typically involves guidance for rebuilding trust, skill development (e.g., communication, problem-solving), and repairing emotional closeness. The insight into system dynamics promotes mutual understanding and respect as you each uncover unhelpful thoughts and beliefs that foster discord and how your behavior contributes to self-sabotaging circular patterns. Couples learn and practice new skills and find practical ways to re-invest emotionally in the relationship, communicate effectively, solve challenging problems, improve responses to each other's needs, and work as a team to achieve harmony and marital happiness.
Counseling for mental and emotional well-being involves effectively leveraging individual strengths, learning new skills, and overcoming specific obstacles to meet life challenges effectively. Individuals facing challenges to psychological well-being can gain clarity and insight with an integrative approach that harnesses inherent capabilities to learn and apply new skills. This process facilitates the development of effective coping strategies and replacing old behavior patterns with positive outcomes such as increased self-awareness, self-acceptance, and elevated self-esteem. Through a personalized counseling plan, we collaboratively explore the origins of challenges, emphasizing a non-judgmental environment for people to express their thoughts and feelings and practice new skills for psychological resilience and behavioral wellness. Ultimately, the focus is on empowerment, helping you build confidence to become the best version of yourself.
Challenging Life Transitions
Life's transitions bring complex challenges, each unique to the stage one finds themselves in. Counseling can help with skill development, emotional regulation, stress management, healthy relationship dynamics, and reduction of cognitive and emotional symptoms that may arise. Life transitions present challenges and opportunities for accelerated growth and development. I work with people in developmental stages from emerging adulthood to late adulthood. Counseling assists with mastering each developmental stage through compassion, support, and the development of new skills needed to heal and move forward. Counseling, smoothing the way for these transitions, provides a safe environment to explore emotions, navigate uncertainties, and develop coping strategies. By fostering resilience and facilitating self-discovery, counseling helps individuals and families adapt to life's inevitable transitions, promoting mental well-being and a sense of purpose.