Our Philosophy

Our philosophy encompasses the belief that the mind, emotions, and body are holistically interconnected. We believe: 

• Emotional distress often contributes to physical distress; emotional distress can be “held” in the body
• That as we become more attuned to our bodies we gain more understanding of our emotions.  “The body never lies.”
• Beliefs are powerful tools for creating personal change
• Individuals have many levels of awareness that can be explored and validated
• The body has an inner wisdom and the ability to heal itself
• The mind-body system is composed of “energy;” working with an individual’s “bioenergy” system facilitates rapid and lasting change

Based upon this philosphy, we embrace an Integrated Counseling approach.  We combine traditional counseling therapies with complimentary strategies, such as EFT, an energy psychology technique.  We advocate exercise, yoga, massage therapy, light box therapy, and attention to lifestyle and diet.  We promote natural remedies whenever possible.

Because we believe that each individual has an inner wisdom to guide their them through their own healing path, we view our role as a collaborator or faciliator of change.  Empowerment begins as you discover inner resources, spiritual strength, and tools for healing.

What Happens in the First Session?

The first step is often the hardest.  You may be nervous wondering if you will feel comfortable with the counselor.  Building rapport with your counselor is an important part of therapy.  A free phone consultation is offered to help you decide if you want to schedule an appointment.  Make a list of questions you want to ask during this consultation to help you decide. 

The first session can best be described as an “information gathering” session.  The counselor will ask a lot of questions to help her understand the nature of your problem.  It is not necessary for a counselor to know your whole life story to help with a specific problem.

Your session will be assigned a specific time slot–usually 60-90 minutes.  Prior to the first session, you will have some forms to fill out.  Please come at least 15 minutes early to fill out forms so you can get the full benefit of your first session. 

At your first session you can discuss how many sessions it will take to address your problem.  You and the counselor will work to set goals or a treatment plan.   A first session is  great time to bring up any questions or concerns you have.

Is it possible that one session is enough?  Occassionally, an individual just wants a little expert perspective to help them solve a problem. And yes, sometimes one session is all that’s needed.

More questions?  Contact peggy@thelightpoint.org

Do I Need to Have a Diagnosis?

Many people fear that if they go to counseling they will be diagnosed with  a “mental disorder.”  A diagnosis is needed for insurance payment but is not  required to receive counseling. 

Some counselors prefer not to render diagnoses.  They believe that when a person is diagnosed with  a mental disorder it becomes a label that becomes part of their identity and keeps them stuck.   These counselors believe it is better to focus on symptoms, strengths, and desired behaviors than to diagnose pathology.  They also believe that often, a client’s behaviors are simply a normal reaction to the “un-normal” things that happen in their lives, rather than a “disorder.”

Other counselors use the “medical model” of  treatment where they “diagnose” then “prescribe” an appropriate treatment.  Diagnoses can provide a common language between counselors and doctors that help a client obtain medication for their symptoms.  But since human behavior is not an exact science, even experts can vary in how they render diagnoses.

Bottom line? You have options regarding the use of diagnosis.  To avoid a diagnostic label that is reported to an insurance company, many individuals will pay for services “out of pocket,” rather than obtain payment from their insurance company.  If you need to understand your problem in diagnostic terms then you can indicate this to the counselor and work collaboratively to determine a diagnosis.

How Can Therapy Help?

Smart people get help; the rest just keep suffering.

The problems that bring us to counseling are not failures–they are opportunities for personal growth.  Counseling or psychotherapy is a couarageous investment in your well-being  and in your relationships.  Many people awaken to a new sense of purpose through counseling. Counseling is beneficial:

• when you feel stuck
• when you find yourself in the same old relationship patterns
• when you can’t get over a loss
• when you feel burdened by the past
• when your physical ailments persist, even with medical intervention
• when you long for a better way

We go through many transitions in our lives.  At these crossroads, we may find ourselves needing more help. We may seek  counseling intermittently over our lifespan.  Counseling is typically brief  (3-12 sessions).  Counseling benefits individuals and couples:

• by providing  insight into the unconscious experiences and motivations that drive anxieties and unhealthy behaviors
•  by teaching skills that were not learned in families of origin
• by clearing negative beliefs and emotions that are held in the mind-body system which create”dis-ease,” physically and emotionally
• by empowering you to more deliberately create the life you want

Therapeutic intervention can cost between $300. – $1200.  What are your relationships worth to you?  What is your health worth to you?  What is it worth to have more joy in your life?  The money you pay to heal distressing emotional and behavioral patterns is an investment in a happier future.   Counseling is a worthwhile investment!

Contact peggy@thelightpoint.org to schedule a free consultation.