How do you know what makes a good counselor? Over and over again, research shows that two things are predictive of successful therapy:
- A positive relationship between therapist and client
- A high degree of therapist’s clinical skills
Our therapists understand this recipe for good counseling. To meet the first requirement, all our therapists are engaging, warm, and committed to making your counseling a safe, respectful, honest, and supportive environment.
To meet the second, we are trained in the most effective and modern counseling approaches. In general, we practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT and it’s related therapies are well-researched and are first line treatments for Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Trauma, Mood Disorders, and other concerns.
We are also specialty trained to treat trauma with EMDR, OCD/Panic, Marriage Concerns, Disordered Eating, Personality Disorders, Depression, and more.
What Is Our Counseling Style?
Our therapists try to approach therapy in a way that is energetic, engaging, respectfully challenging, and effective. While we leave our personal beliefs and opinions at the door, we do allow our personalities to come through in sessions. You will hear our humor, see sincere reactions, and hopefully feel genuine interest in helping you navigate your story. We have confidence in the therapy process and an even greater confidence in your ability to create and sustain change.
Your job is to show up with your story, our job is to help you make sense of it.
At Summit we have confidence in the therapy process and an even greater confidence in your ability to create and sustain change.
What is a Therapy Session Like?
At your first session, you will:
- Have a seat in our waiting area – help yourself to coffee, water, or a snack
- Be greeted by your counselor when they are ready to begin your appointment
- Be given initial paperwork if not already completed
- When ready, your counselor will begin your session by leading the conversation
Your first session is typically a time when we begin to identify what has brought you to counseling. It’s important to remember that as the client, you control what is shared and when it is shared in counseling. The therapist’s role is to help you think about your behaviors, thoughts, and relationships in new ways so you can reach your goals. It is not to force you to share experiences you do not wish to share.
Future sessions will include following up on the previous session and working with your therapist to continue processing experiences, emotions, and new skills.
Taking Therapy Out of the Office
Counseling should be more than just talk. Even when it feels like talking, there should be a specific purpose to the dialogue. If you ever have questions about the counseling process, you should check in with your therapist so they can help you understand the goal of a conversation.
The use of homework is encouraged by our counselors as a way to help clients reinforce discussions between sessions. Clients may be asked to try new ideas or behaviors between sessions to promote growth and change. This a great way to try on new skills and develop confidence in your abilities. Being able to take these skills from the counseling session and into your daily life is such a rewarding experience and one I look forward to hearing about from you!