Faith Winters, LPC, NCC

Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor
Providing: Individual, Marriage and Family Therapy
Effective Treatment for Anxiety and Depression

My theoretical frameworks

It is my attitude that you are created as a person of value. No matter what the source of your distress: random life circumstances, your own choices, or the choices of others, I will not judge you. I want to create a setting in which you can explore those parts of your life that are not working well or that may be causing you pain. I consider it a privilege to walk alongside of you during the distressing times of life. That is when there is opportunity for change. I want to understand what life is like for you now and how you can find relief and health. When we talk together I will walk gently and respectfully in your world. It is my belief that every individual has resources for personal development and growth. It is my role to help you identify those resources and apply them to your life situation.

In general, I function within the client centered, cognitive and family systems frameworks as I work with clients. In addition, I often have a little therapy dog in the office for added effectiveness.

Client centered therapy refers to keeping the focus on you, as the client. The essence of this therapy is predicated upon your authority over your own life. You have the power to make choices. My attitude is one of empathy and positive regard. I have respect for you as a person and I want to understand your world. My focus is on you and your goals, your direction, at your pace, and with your unique way of being. It is you who knows what hurts, what direction to go, what problems are crucial.

Cognitive therapy has to do with how we think. How we interpret our experiences in life determines the way we feel and behave. It is designed to help you identify and correct distorted thought patterns that can lead to feelings and behaviors that are troublesome, self-defeating or self-destructive. As we take every thought captive we are able to identify distressing thoughts and learn to replace them with more positive ones. While cognitive therapy focuses on your current problems to alleviate symptoms, your past experiences are an important part of the cognitive therapy process. Even if an unwanted situation has not changed, you can change the way you think and behave in a positive way. You will learn specific skills that you can use for the rest of your life. When you think clearly and more realistically, you feel better.

Family systems therapy is a holistic approach. Whether I am working with an individual, couple, family or group I am concerned with the long-term well being of both the individuals and their families. The unit of treatment isn’t just the individual; it is the set of relationships in which they are imbedded.

In addition, for those clients who request it, I can include the spiritual component. In working with clients, I am respectful of your beliefs and values. I strive to assist you in understanding, clarifying and applying your own spiritual values to your personal needs.  As a Christian, I am aware of the influence our values and beliefs have on our individual and family functioning. I am aware of how my faith has influenced my world view. See Christian Counseling page for more information.

Contact Faith Winters