Counseling and Therapy in Grants Pass, Oregon
What i Believe
I believe that every person has within themselves the power to change their life by exercising the free will given to them as a gift from God.
My role as your counselor is to support, encourage, and equip you in discovering your identity, personal strengths and resources in Christ, and then guide you as you learn to apply this information toward positive change.
My approach is biblically-based and relationship-centered. I strive to develop a safe environment for my clients through active listening, empathetic understanding, and respect.
Session Types
One-On-One
Private sessions are conducted at my office, and focus on identifying and healing issues which may be underlying chronic problems, such as trauma, depression, and past or present abuse.
MArriage & Family
I work with couples and families who may have some dysfunctional patterns, helping them to overcome interpersonal issues and establish healthy behaviors to heal those relationships.
Group Classes
In addition to private sessions, I also teach group classes at various times throughout the year. These classes focus on trust, anger, childhood wounds, and personal relationships.
Professional Experience
I hold a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Sioux Falls Seminary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Major coursework and skill development completed includes individual group and family therapy, human development, play therapy, codependency, and grief issues.
I have facilitated women’s support groups for over ten years, as well as groups for men who wanted to overcome power, anger and control issues. I have done extensive work regarding abuse and trauma in my own life and have experience God’s faithfulness to restore in these areas.
Confidentiality
All information discussed in our counseling sessions will be held in confidence, with the following exceptions as specified by law:
- I determine you are a danger to yourself or others;
- I have reason to believe that abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or disabled person has occurred, or is likely to occur;
- I am ordered by a court to disclose information.
Or, unless you direct me to release information regarding you.
How Counseling May Affect You
Counseling affects each client differently, and you may experience feelings that range from positive and exciting to painful and distressing. The counseling process promotes personal exploration and may lead to major changes in your life perspectives and decisions. These changes can affect significant relationships, your vocation, and your view of yourself and your world.
While I cannot predict the outcome of our work together, I do commit to working with you to achieve the very best result possible for you. I tend to use open conversations, processing/talking through issues, asking open-ended questions, linking past events to the present, developing tools, and clarifying reality to help you achieve the best outcome. I do my best to connect with you by listening carefully. In addition, I can suggest other activities such as exercise and support groups to compliment your counseling.
Session & Treatment
Sessions are 90 minutes in length. The duration of your treatment is highly dependent on your goals and commitment, and we will determine together the number of sessions that best meets your goals. Together we will monitor your progress and mutually agree upon the timing and conditions of treatment completion.
However, you have the right to cancel my services at any time. If at any time I have to miss one or more of our session, I will arrange with you in advance to reschedule the session or (in the case of an extended absence) to arrange for you to see another qualified counselor. If at any time you are unable to keep an appointment, I would appreciate a 24-hour notice.
In the event of a mental health emergency, please call 911, go to the nearest hospital emergency room, or call the Jackson County Mental Health crisis service at 541-774-8201.
Group Classes
In addition to private sessions, I also teach group classes at various times throughout the year. Classes I regularly teach include:
Untangling Relationships
A study on codependency and how it forms in childhood.
Broken Children, Grown-up Pain
An examination of how childhood wounds affect us into adulthood.
The Anger Challenge
Practical steps to identify the emotions behind the anger and learn healthy thought patterns.
Trust
A study on repairing broken trust and developing healthy trust.
Sharon Burman Lawler 