My philosophical beliefs as a counsellor
Where we are striving to go is more important then where we have come from.

Focus on how the person's perceptions of the past & his interpretation of early events have a continuing influence.

Humans are motivated primarily by social relatedness.

Behaviour is purposeful & goal-directed; and consciousness more than unconsciousness is the focus of therapy.

Stressing choice & responsibility, meaning in life, striving for success, completion & perfection.

Inferiority feelings are normal and the source of all human striving, the wellspring of creativity motivating us to strive for mastery, success (superiority) and completion

We all strive to reach a goal by the attainment of which we shall feel strong, superior, and complete (over one's current condition and life's challenges.)

We all have the capacity to interpret, influence, and create events.

What we are born with is not as important as what we do with the abilities we possess.

My approach is holistic, social, goal-oriented, & humanistic.

I believe that therapists should view the world from the clients subjective frame of reference (subjective reality) includes perceptions, thoughts, feelings, values, beliefs, convictions & conclusions of the client.

People cannot be fully known outside the contexts that have meaning in their lives.

Decisions are based on the person's experiences, present situation and the direction in which the person is moving.

Each person has an ideal image they are trying to achieve, but the image is never fully comprehended in consciousness. This image of the perfect self is called the fictional finalism (fictional= how the world should be (finalism= the ultimate nature of the person's goal and direction)

To understand behaviour it is essential to grasp the ideas of basic inferiority and compensation.

Social interest is a sense of identification with humanity; a feeling of belonging; an interest in the common good. The degree to which we successfully share & are concerned with the welfare of others is a measure of our mental health.

We cannot be understood in isolation from the social context. An unfulfilled sense of belonging results in anxiety.

Life tasks: all humans must face and solve certain problems universal in human life, including the tasks of friendship (or community), work (or a division of labour), and intimacy (or love and marriage) self-acceptance, an the development of our spiritual dimension.

Psychological birth order is of great emphasis as it has a great deal to do with how adults interact in the world. The style of relating to others in childhood and the self carries into adulthood.

Clients are not seen as being sick and in need of a cure„ instead clients are in need of re-education.

This education is meant to provide clients with a new "cognitive map" which will give them a "socially useful lifestyle." Here are some of the various methods: attending, encouragement, confrontation, paradoxical intention, summarizing, interpretation of the family constellation and early recollections, suggestion, and homework assignments. Most of these procedures were originally developed by Adler.

Private logic is the concept about self, others and life that make up the philosophy on which our individual lifestyle, is based. Problems occur when conclusions based on the privet logic do not conform to the requirements of social living. Hence client must correct the faulty assumptions and conclusions.

The past is examined in the context of the person's early social world. In examining earliest childhood memory it is not so much the truth that matters it is ones perception of their reality at that time. This can give an indication of that early prototype of ones present lifestyle.

We try to validate our beliefs even if they are mistaken beliefs. Hence we can reaffirm are beliefs as a self full filling prophecy.

First we think, then we feel, and then act.

Our relationship is a collaborative equal one with clearly defined goals between therapist and client.

Fees are $60.00 per clinical/hr. A sliding scale is available for those whom I deem it necessary. Office hours vary, and therefore I encourage you to call for an appointment time.

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is an altered state of mind that bypasses the conscious mind and allows direct access to the subconscious. It allows the critical area to be put aside and objectivity to be obtained. Hypnosis occurs in every person just five seconds before going into the sleep state. In hypnosis we prolong this brief interlude so that we can work within its perimeters to accomplish goals.

What Does Hypnosis Feel Like?

Hypnosis is simply a very relaxed state that feels familiar because it is familiar. Besides experiencing it before falling asleep, we also experience it when daydreaming, and often when driving and thinking of something else other than our driving. Have you ever been so preoccupied with something you didn't hear someone calling you? Reading, watching films and doing hobbies can all create naturally occurring trances. Your mind is fully aware, you will hear everything that goes on and you will be able to communicate. You will find hypnosis to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

What Can Hypnosis Do For Me?

Most people know that we only use a fraction of our brain's potential. What most people don't know is that Hypnosis can be a tool for unlocking the deep power of the human mind. I tell my clients if you can conceive it and you can believe it then you can achieve it. Move from the limited to the limitless.

For information in Hamilton this is a wonderful website offering a searchable Community Services Database
http://www.inform.hamilton.ca/

Sexual Assault Centre Hamilton & Area
Crisis Line: (905) 525-4162
Phone: (905) 525-4573
Website: http://www.sacha.on.ca

Distress Centre of Hamilton
Telephone: 24 hour Crisis Line: (905) 525-8611
Business Line: (905) 525-8616

Six Nations Mental Health Services
1745 Chiefswood Road
Ohsweken, Ontario
Telephone: (519) 445-2143

Suicide Crisis Line, Education and Resource Centre
340 York Blvd
Hamilton, Ontario L8R 3L2
Telephone: Business Line: (905) 521-1660
Crisis Line: (905) 522-1477
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