Mental Health Counselor Orlando

What is the makeup of a mental health counselor Orlando? What truly is a therapist? Many have the idea that a mental health counselor is the authority on human behavior and seek out their help to provide answers that will solve their issues. The only problems with this notion of solving problems is that I do not have a magic wand that I can wave around the room and instantly take away your problems.

A Mental Health Counselor Orlando is “suppose to be highly trained” professional that has a keen eye for the developmental human behaviors that drive many clients behaviors. After years of study and internships under strict supervision we are to understand the basic human principles of psychology, theories to assist change, and establish a relationship that will assist the client in making the changes they seek. We are suppose to be able to assess clients, their situation, diagnose them and then utilize the best theoretical approach to address the issues.

While this may sound like a great Webster definition, the longer I am in the field I am realizing that my approach to therapy is nothing my schooling could have ever prepared me for. That is because everyone I meet is totally different yet at the same time we are all the same working through similar issues. These issues are just slightly painted in a different color or story. Over the 15 years of conducting therapy I have come to see that the major reason my clients seek help is due to fear. This is the underlying factor that creates the symptoms we call the initial or primary topic to discuss (depression, relationship problems, anger, etc)

Mental Health Counselor Orlando

Diagnosing

I see the same people over and over again coming in with the same statements that are fear based yet disguised as “mental health issues” Commonly heard phrases are :

I have been battling with anxiety my whole life and need help.
My marriage is falling apart and I need to see someone to help fix it.
I feel lost, anxious and depressed most days and need someone to help me understand how to eliminate these problems.
My life seems out of control and I need to figure out how to get it back on track.

There are several other ways that clients dress up these statements but really the truth states that a person has reached a point in their life where they are willing to reach out and ask for help. Pain is the greatest motivator.

Congratulations for being among the few to pick up the phone. However this is the first step. Once I speak with a client it is my job and yours as well to see if we are going to be a good match. Yes it’s true there seems today to be a therapist on every corner. However you must shop around for the one that fits your personality and will allow you the freedom and safety to fully open up and lay your problems or “cards” on the table. Being a mental health counselor after 15 years has shown me that the longer I am in this field the less of a clinical approach I take. When I talk to an individual I hear the pain, anxiety, fear and depression that we all have felt in our lives at one time.

Mental Health Counselor Orlando

Who We Are Not

People walk into session not realizing that the process is one of deep reflection and an honest look at themselves. It does not really matter what brings you in for therapy, it matters more how willing you are to be honest with yourself and do the harder work of letting go of control. listening with an open ear to things about yourself that you may not like to hear. After I graduated I was trained to approach clients from a very strict theoretical perspective.

We are taught all various types of counseling techniques and approaches. We study cognitive behavioral, narrative, systemic, systems, client focused and many more modalities to assist our clients. I can safely say that after 15 years I have developed my own unique approach. It does not encompass a blanket approach to fit the individual needs of my clients. While we are all cut from the same thread and experience the same emotions, it is understanding the individual’s interpretation of how they see these problems. Many times a client’s perspective of what they feel the outcome should be does not match up. They feel let down and then disappointed with what really goes on in therapy. I can tell you for me personally what a mental health counselor is not:

I am not a miracle worker. For me I cannot take away your problems by giving you watered down answers. There are many therapist eager to do that work.
Therapy is not about fixing your life and arranging it in a way that is manageable. It is about looking solely at you and your response to the conditioning and view on life.
I am not a fortune teller. As your therapist I cannot assist my clients if they do not come in with willingness. You must be open, honest and motivated.
I am the authority of your life. Only you know the best approach. It is my job to look at your blind spots. Those areas of your life that you many not see.

What to expect from a
Mental Health Counselor Orlando

For myself speaking you can count on the fact that I am going to be honest. I call it as I see it and ask that you be willing to work with me in a collaborative approach. Do not label me as an authority figure. I cannot work harder than my clients. This was in my earlier years. I was young and eager to see the changes. Unless individuals are at the point in their lives they are willing to take an honest look at themselves, the process will not work. I often tell my clients that my approach is client driven. This relates to the idea that you know best how to navigate your life. Yes you may feel stuck and need some assistance.

Therapy in this way can be extremely beneficial. However you may be the type of person that identifies with the victim role. You feel that your way is right and that pain is caused because others. They don’t get you or understand you. If this sounds like you then your not the client that will want to work with me.

If your ready for real and effective lasting change lets start. Together lets cut to the real issue of the fear and conditioning. The self defeating tapes that play over and over again in your mind. Understanding the self dialogue and gaining awareness is key. Increasing your consciousness is the type of work that truly has lasting effects.