My Approach to Helping
My specialty in an integrative spiritual and psychological approach. This means that the best wisdom from the Bible and from other spiritual sources is blended with sound psychological insights, research, and technique. This prepares us to compassionately explore the complexity of your life.
You will not be judged or forced in making the changes you are seeking, or in the ways that you believe. Instead, you will be assisted in developing your own authentic new ways of thinking, acting, and living out your purpose.
There is wisdom, designed into each one of us that many times we don't pay attention to in places we get stuck. I can help you rediscover and cultivate that wisdom, and it will feel surprisingly like the new ways of living are more true and genuine, even if you have never lived that way.
But you will also be given a wealth of new information and direction. I work in a more interactive manner compared to other therapists. I do work hard to listen and understand you, but I have found people really want guidance, ideas, and practical solutions. I offer feedback, suggestions on what to do, and "homework" to accomplish between sessions. I answer your questions, and provide recommendations for study outside the session.
You may also find that the atmosphere in sessions is more comfortable and natural than you may expect or have experienced. I create a relaxed, informal atmosphere, where you can be yourself, and even have fun and laugh in the sessions.
More Info About My Practice
Areas of Focus
I have extensive experience with relieving anxiety disorders, and depression, two of the most common and treatable problems. There are well-researched and effective treatments that usually have almost an immediate impact.
I also offer specific approaches that help couples find rich, satisfying intimacy. Psychological tests give us diagnostic information at the beginning of therapy, saving a lot of time. Then we explore the unique patterns of relating to each other that help us explain the seemingly random issues that cause conflict. Once you understand that repetitive pattern, I can help you develop a collaborative strategy that keeps problem solving emotionally safe, comfortable, and trusting. Practical suggestions are offered and even scripting of conversations, along with reading that can enhance the work you are doing in therapy.
You also have the option of seeing me together with my wife, Susan Hudson, who is a Marriage and Family Therapist. You get a balanced male-female perspective, and a more intensive approach that often moves therapy more quickly.
For a more practical, brief, and goal oriented approach, coaching is available.
Fees and Insurance
I am an out-of-plan provider for most insurance plans, which means you can receive up to 80% reimbursement. I also have a sliding scale fees for those who prefer the privacy and ease of paying directly. My fees range from $140 to $190 per session depending on your income level.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
Marital Intensives
Another unique approach for couples is available for those whose schedule does not allow weekly sessions, or who are in significant marital crisis, or who just want to get a larger amount of work done in a short amount of time. Both of you will be given a series of psychological tests ahead of time, to give us a comprehensive diagnostic picture of each of you and your pattern of interaction. Then we schedule a long weekend where we meet at our offices, or at another location of your choice, even a resort location, which you can plan around a vacation if you like.
We start with comprehensive feedback from the tests, and then as many as 30 hours of counseling. You get two experienced marital therapists, my wife and I, working together as a co-therapy team, so you get the maximum benefit from the Intensive.
You will gain an understanding of the deeper patterns of seeking security and stability that have kept you stuck in your conflicts, and have unknowingly undermined the trust and collaboration between you. Then you are guided through a series of structured experiences to change the patterns of interaction in your marriage, and you watch us demonstrate the techniques in our own interaction. You leave the weekend with new agreements that will carry the changes forward after you return home.
Included in the package are followup coaching and tune-up counseling sessions to consolidate the changes being made, and to prevent reverting to old patt
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.