WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THERAPY?
John D. Hawkins, Jr, M.S.,C.A.P., I.C.A.D.C
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
One of the first questions I ask every new client is, “Have you ever been to counseling before.” Some answer they have, and they found it helpful. Others respond with incredulous tales of their former therapist checking messages on their Iphone during session or telling them advice, such as to commit infidelity as a way to assuage their feelings of anger and regain a sense of empowerment lost from being a victim of unfaithfulness, both of these are true stories by the way. But the majority reply this is their first experience with any type of counseling, and they have no clear idea of what to expect. (more…)
PRESCRIPTION FOR ANXIETY
John D. Hawkins, Jr, M.S., C.A.P., I.C.A.D.C.Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Tens of millions of Americans seek help for difficulties with anxiety each year. Many of these individuals will be assessed by physicians or psychiatrists. The standard intervention employed by the majority of these helping professionals will be a prescription for an antianxiety medication, such as Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, or Atavin. While this strategy may be well-intentioned, it is leading to unhealthy and destructive consequences for many. (more…)
Spirituality in Counseling
John D. Hawkins Jr., M.S., C.A.P., I.C.A.D.C.Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Spirituality seems to have experienced a renaissance over the last several decades. Everything from Shirley McClaine and the New Age movement to mega churches and the publishing success of their charismatic leaders, such as Rick Warren and Joel Osteen to the popularity of religious focused films, such as The Passion of the Christ and Conversations with God. After the increase of agnosticism and atheism in the sixties and seventies, the recent era seems to have undergone a resurgence in all things divine. (more…)
