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WHY CONSIDER COUNSELING?
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| Counseling has increased in
popularity the past few years as it gets away from the stereotypical image
of "What's wrong with me?". Today, counseling is seen as a positive
and proactive approach to improve one's quality of life. People are
finally realizing there are special techniques, educational tools and
coping skills they can learn to battle depression, anxiety, eating
disorders, as well as improve relationships. In this fast paced
world, many people are no longer willing to let their emotions control
their life, but they reach outward for understanding and answers -
counseling provides a neutral third party where clients can explore their
issues in a safe, caring and confidential environment. |
AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
Over the years I have worked with many clients with a wide
variety of problems. As a result I have developed expertise in the following
areas:
| Q: |
Do you offer counseling only in
these areas? What if I have a problem that is not within one of your areas
of expertise, can you still help me? |
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A: |
There are numerous other areas
(too many to list) in which I have worked with clients. After discussing
your problem with you I will be better able to determine if I can help you.
If I cannot, I will be happy to give you referrals to appropriate
professionals and/or resources who can assist you.
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Read more Frequently Asked Questions |
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Contact Laura Barrett, LCMHC |
MARRIAGE AND COUPLE COUNSELING:
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| As a wife, I
know that a healthy marriage requires finding a balance between being part
of a couple and maintaining your own identity. A healthy marriage or
relationship also requires learning how to disagree with your partner and
still feel good about yourself and each other.
As a therapist, I have helped hundreds of couples develop
skills to communicate better and resolve conflicts with dignity and respect.
Through this process you will gain strength as a couple and discover more
intimacy.
My approach to marriage and couple counseling is
straightforward. Some couples seek counseling with very similar goals. Other
couples may want psychotherapy but find that their goals are at odds with
each other. For example, when one spouse is wanting to work on the
relationship and the other one is thinking of separation or divorce.
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My goal is to assist you as a couple to determine what you each want from
the relationship and each other. Then help you assess whether you can
actually get what you want.
Most people get some of what they want but not all they
want from a partner. The final step in my counseling approach is to guide
each of you in looking at your options and deciding what to do with this
knowledge and information. |
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RELATIONSHIP COUNSELING
The road to a healthy relationship is riddled with bumps,
curves and pot holes. Together we can examine if your current relationship is
moving closer to where you want it to go. We can also explore why you have not
found the relationship you want.
I have helped many men and women find relationships that are
more healthy, stable and fulfilling, rather than ones that are self-destructive
and go nowhere.
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SEPARATION AND DIVORCE
COUNSELING While no one ever marries planning to
separate or divorce, it sometimes happens. When it does, there are life
altering decisions to be made that will affect you, your spouse and your
children.
As a therapist I have guided hundreds to where they feel
safe, stable, and hopeful about their futures. |
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| Q: |
My children are acting out. Is
this because we are going through a divorce? |
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A: |
Children act out for a variety
of reasons. Sometimes it is age appropriate, as with adolescents, but it
also could be due to any number of reasons including that you and your
spouse are going through divorce. What is most important is to find out why
your children are acting out and help them with their problem.
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Read more Frequently Asked Questions |
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Contact Laura Barrett, LCMHC |
PARENT AND CHILD
COUNSELING
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| As a parent, I know first-hand
the challenges of raising children. Helping your child deal with feeling
left out of social groups or completing homework assignments can be as
frustrating for you as it is for your child.
As a therapist, I have assisted parents and children (ages 10 & up) learn to negotiate their needs more
effectively and resolve conflicts with sensitivity and love. From this
process greater closeness will develop between you and your child.
I usually refer small children (under 10 years old) to play therapists who specialize in children. Play therapists do an entirely different kind of therapy to connect with children who may not be able to verbalize their thoughts and emotions.
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FAMILY COUNSELING
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| As a wife and a mother, I
have felt the pain and joy of family members bringing out the worst and
best in each other. The most innocent comment or gesture can often be the
seed of a deep wound that can last a lifetime.
As a therapist, I have helped many families heal these
wounds and repair their broken relationships so family members can feel
closer and more connected to each other. |
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