Shall I Begin Psychiatry or Counseling?

While often misidentified as the same, psychiatry and counseling are actually quite different. To begin, let me try and differentiate psychiatry from counseling. Counseling is traditionally focused on the practice of "talk therapy," or “psychotherapy.” That is, the process of working through problem/life issues by talking them through with a professional counselor. Such a professional will help clients to process their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and will help clients to build strategies for improving their moods, lives and relationships. Psychiatry (with some exceptions) is generally focused on helping individuals to overcome specific problem issues with medication. Medication in Psychiatry Treatment…
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What to Expect from Counseling

What to Expect from Counseling

Many people are afraid to come to a counseling session because they find it too intimidating. I can't blame them. Heck, I find it difficult to go to the doctor when I am feeling sick and can't go to work. So, it is a new experience and often provokes some natural anxiety. Your first session is the hardest and it gets easier from there! Here are some of the questions I've been asked: * Am I any less of a man for coming to counseling? No. If counseling weren't manly, I wouldn't be doing it! I'll tell you that its…
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Is Counseling or Therapy Right for Me?

Is Counseling or Therapy Right for Me?

Counseling and Therapy in Lafayette, Indiana: Helping You Navigate Life’s Challenges Life is full of ups and downs, and sometimes, we all need a little help navigating the tough moments. Counseling or therapy isn’t just for those with mental illness—it’s for anyone who needs support, guidance, or a fresh perspective on their challenges. Whether you’re struggling with relationship issues, stress, anxiety, anger management, sexual concerns, or general life transitions, therapy can provide a safe and constructive space to work through your thoughts and emotions. Why Consider Therapy in Lafayette, Indiana? Many people believe they should be able to handle their…
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Medication vs. Counseling

Medication vs. Counseling

There is seldom a day that goes past where I don't have a client who comes to me with a great concern that their medications are not working. Often, when I ask what they are doing for themselves, they develop a rather puzzled look on their face. Most of the time, they say that they just wait for the medication to take effect. More and more, society is putting focus on medications while ignoring how people can change their mood and overall health with a few behavior changes. It is very easy to blame a chemical imbalance in the brain…
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Family Therapy

Family Therapy

Depending on the situation, family therapy is often one of the more helpful options. Think about this: We are all impacted by those around us. This means that we are all part of a system. If one person goes to therapy and changes, but the other family members (system) do not change, then how can we expect lasting results? I encourage all of my clients to bring friends and family members to therapy. This will help to improve the environment for all. This also provides an opportunity for another person's opinion and perspective to be brought into the room, which…
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Nerves and First Visit

Nerves and First Visit

Navigating Your First Therapy Session It's a common experience – the feeling of nervousness, even apprehension, as you approach your first therapy session. Whether you're a seasoned veteran of the therapy world or a complete newcomer, that initial visit can be nerve-wracking. The unknown can be intimidating. You might be wondering: What will the therapist be like? Will I feel comfortable sharing my thoughts and feelings? Will therapy even be helpful for me? These are all valid concerns, and it's perfectly normal to feel a bit anxious about stepping into this new experience. Understanding the First Session: It's important to…
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Mental Health vs. Mental Illness

Mental Health vs. Mental Illness

We hear so much about Mental Illness on a regular basis. That is one of those terms that is frequently thrown around. Actually, I don't care for the term at all. Who wants to be told they have a Mental Illness? I doubt many do. I come from the perspective of Mental Health. Instead of concentrating on illness or problems, I help my clients focus on the positives. Just think, if a therapist focuses on the symptoms of Mental Illness, most of the time and energy is spent discussing the problem, which is demotivating. When the focus is on Mental…
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I Can’t…

I Can’t…

The Power of "Can Do" We've all been there. Someone asks us to take on a new challenge, and instead of considering the possibilities, we immediately start listing the reasons why it won't work. "I don't have the time," "I don't have the resources," "I'm not skilled enough" – these become our default responses, our go-to excuses for inaction. But what if we shifted our focus? What if, instead of dwelling on limitations, we started talking about what we can do? One of the things that truly perplexes me is the tendency to spend so much time and energy explaining…
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Yearly Mental Health Checkup

Yearly Mental Health Checkup

You are supposed to get a yearly physical, right? What about a yearly mental check-up? How many people take the time to assess their mental health on a regular basis—even if there doesn’t seem to be a problem? The answer is, not many. However, I can think of at least one of my friends who does something like this. Why consider a mental health check-up if you don’t think you need it? Many people experience stress creeping up on them without realizing it. Life is busy, and it’s easy to overlook emotional well-being until stress, anxiety, or burnout becomes overwhelming.…
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Marriage Counseling

Marriage Counseling

People often come to me for marriage counseling. Actually, I prefer to call it couples counseling because I see all types of couples- many who do not fit into that marriage category. I come from the perspective that both people in the relationship have some responsibility for the good things in the relationship, as well as the bad stuff. Often I get a partner in the relationship or marriage who states that it is all the other person's fault. As we talk more, it becomes more and more apparent to both people that there is responsibility on each side. In…
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