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Many people wonder if therapy can help them at different times in their lives. Here are facts and information to think about to help you decide.
Ben is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Marriage and Family Therapist. At the age of nineteen Ben was drawn to the practice of meditation and dedicated himself to a life of spiritual discipline and the goal of enlightenment. He found himself teaching spirituality and helping to guide other spiritual seekers on their individual paths at an early age. The combination of his youthful enthusiasm, idealism, and a genuine spiritual calling fueled the path throughout his 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s. During those 30 years, he was a Spiritual Counselor, Public Speaker, Entrepreneur, Woodworker, and Musician.
At the age of 49, Ben found himself in the midst of a difficult life transition; a spiritual disillusionment and loss of faith had led him to yet another search for identity, life meaning, and purpose. After years of disorientation, confusion, and struggle, he came to learn about the ancient concept of a Genius spirit that is born in every individual – a life-guiding force complete with talents, abilities, and a genuine calling to a unique expression of one’s gifts. His research into Genius helped Ben to realize that one of his Genius traits had always been to help others to navigate difficult life transitions and encourage them during that process.
Ben’s professional training is as a Depth Psychotherapist, which means that his approach to helping others through difficult times always takes the Soul into consideration when addressing the issues that his clients bring to their sessions. His work with others is also strongly influenced by his 36 years of meditation practice, which has developed into an ability to work with others with depth and wisdom.
Ben offers private and group therapy sessions in Ashland, Oregon as well as individual Genius Coaching sessions by phone or on Skype.
Essential to Ben’s approach is the idea that the uncovering of one’s Genius continues throughout the entirety of life. He has seen that many pivotal changes and resolutions to problems can take place in a person’s life by uncovering their unique Genius talents and embodying them actively in the world.
Midlife Transitions
For both men and women, the sudden realization that life is half gone can be extremely debilitating. The questions of life purpose, meaning, loss of youth, a sense of accomplishment and mortality often arise at midlife. I work with people in this area by helping them to discover who they were, who they are now, and who they want to be in the future. This process requires taking a close look at how they got to where they are now in life, and what changes are needed in order to get where they want to go. Midlife is a life phase that passes as all phases do. Working with a psychotherapist during this confusing time can help to make the transition process one of growth and discovery.
Life Purpose and Spiritual/Religious Identity Issues
At key stages of our lives, existential confusion and big life questions come to the forefront of our daily experience. In order to continue on our life path with enthusiasm, creativity, and purpose, it is often extremely helpful to focus our attention directly on these very important issues that serve as the foundation of our life experience. I work with you to help get to the root of these issues, and to bring them to the surface in order to examine and resolve them.
Grief and Loss
It is important to know that grief is a natural process that is temporary; although its duration will be different from person to person. Everyone grieves in their own way and their own time. In working with people who are experiencing grief and loss, I am sensitive to the individual’s personal process, and provide a safe environment for them to process and express the accompanying emotions in their own time and manner. It is important to allow the grief process to pass through us in a healthy way in order for it to be a transforming human experience in our lives.
Depression, Anxiety, and Panic
Along with depression, anxiety is usually present. Many professionals actually feel that Depression and Anxiety are two sides of the same disorder, and can affect a person of any age. I use an integrative approach in working with Depression and Anxiety, using Depth Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR while addressing multiple psychological layers that may be contributing to the feelings of Depression and Anxiety. I also incorporate Mindfulness Meditation as a technique that works for grounding a client and bringing them into the present moment, where underlying causes can be explored and symptoms can be reduced.
Symptoms are often a signal that something deeper than what shows on the surface of our life experience needs to be addressed. Psyche, which means soul, is making itself heard and is indicating that some attention needs to be paid to some part of your inner self, which for some reason has been neglected and unexplored. The therapeutic relationship is a safe container of trust and respect between you and your therapist, where the care of the soul can take place, and where growth, development, health, and authenticity develop.
Symptoms are often a signal that something deeper than what shows on the surface of our life experience needs to be addressed. Psyche, which means soul, is making itself heard, and is indicating that some attention needs to be paid to some part of your inner self, which for some reason has been neglected and unexplored. The therapeutic relationship is a safe container of trust and respect between you and your therapist, where care of the soul can take place, and where growth, development, health, and authenticity develop.
How does therapy work?
Therapy is usually one 50 minute appointment per week, sitting down with me and discussing feelings or problems you may be having. What is said in the therapy room is confidential, and you are free to talk about anything you like. We discuss exactly what you want to get out of therapy and make a plan to achieve your goals. I work with you to bring your issues into focus, so that they can be addressed in a non-judgemental and unconditionally supportive way.
Why should I go to therapy?
Some reasons people seek out a therapist during times of crisis, after a sudden change in life circumstances, or when dealing with a specific problem that is difficult or confusing. When any type of problem keeps someone from living their life in a productive way, therapy can help to stabilize their life, making it easier to navigate the circumstances that come their way.
Another area in which therapy can be helpful is when the goal is personal growth. Destructive life patterns that impede personal growth and development can be explored and brought to light, bringing clarity and change.
How long will I need to go to therapy?
Therapy can last anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on the specific problem being addressed in therapy. Some people choose to continue therapy once the initial problem is stabilized, in order to work on other areas of their life that they would like to address.
Is psychotherapy really effective?
There are specific elements that will determine the success of your therapy. The first and most important is to take your mental health seriously, and sincerely want to address your specific problem. Secondly, establishing a relationship of trust between you and your therapist becomes the stabilizing force that enables growth and change. It is therefore very important to find a therapist who is a good match for you in order to achieve your goals of therapy.
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