ABOUT TREATMENT
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AFFINITY COUNSELING and HYPNOSIS
AFFINITY COUNSELING AND HYPNOSIS fosters a cooperative, respectful treatment setting which utilizes the strengths, potentials and talents present in its clientele.
A wide variety of methods derived from sound therapeutic principles and practice may be employed, based upon particular needs. When appropriate, hypnosis and other mind-body methods can be used to access a broad range of resources not normally available at a conscious level of awareness. Connecting directly to these resources allows an individual greater control and flexibility dealing with emotional, cognitive, behavioral or physiological concerns.
INDIVIDUAL COUPLE FAMILY
INDIVIDUAL TREATMENT
I am Bart Walsh and I direct Affinity Counseling and Hypnosis. My orientation to counseling, psychotherapy and hypnotherapy is essentially a strengths perspective with a solution focus. The strengths perspective acknowledges all the strengths, resources and instinctual imperatives within an individual that have helped the individual get to the present moment. Each individual is unique, has a unique history and carries a unique set of experience, learning and resources. Each human being, from intrauterine development on, accumulates experience which contributes to a personal foundation of reality. This reality encompasses identity (self-perception), relationship (other-perception), expected response to the course of the environment, belief about the future and personal role in the future.
Distressing or problematic experience can disrupt a healthy flow of resources and distort perceptions. Quite often distressing symptoms indirectly reflect the particular resources needed to resolve the problem, positioning the solution in the problem. Almost always the stengths and resources necessary to enact favorable change are present in the troubled person.
Many strengths and mind-body resources are not even at a conscious level of awareness.Modern science has revealed much about resources and mind-body communication taking place out of conscious awareness. We now have evidence of regular, ongoing communication between the central nervous system, the immune system, the endocrine system and the emotional system. Just as what is happening in the body affects our thoughts and emotions, so too our thoughts and emotions can affect what is happening in the body. Hypnosis and other approaches can tap into mind-body communication and access many resources normally not available at a conscious level of awareness
Trauma studies have identified automatic adaptive and protective mechanisms operating outside of conscious control. The "fight or flight" response, for example, is activated at times of real or perceived threat. Problematic panic and anxiety reflect a fully functional, important instinctual mechanism (a strength) just needing a "pause button" installed for calmer functioning.
The strengths perspective helps me to scan for the resources needed in you to resolve your concern.
The influences that guide my work and contribute to the strengths perspective have been derived from studies, experience or training in: systems theory, Jungian therapy, cognitive therapy, object relations theory, Ericksonian hypnotherapy, hypnosis, breath work, narrative therapy, ego-state therapy, solution focused therapy, music therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and more.
Based upon the concerns you present, the psychobiological resources you reflect and the information you provide, a particular approach to treatment will be selected for your counseling or hypnosis experience. The treatment approach will be discussed and mutually agreed upon. Your feedback in session will allow you to regulate the pace of treatment. The frequency of visits is negotiable.
COUPLE COUNSELING
Couple or marital therapy acknowledges the unique nature of each couple relationship and explores behavioral, perceptual or interactive changes necessary to allow the relationship to develop in a satisfying manner. Common presenting concerns include communication difficulties, dysfunctional fight style, physical intimacy, emotional availability, parenting style, finances, extended family/inlaw boundaries and sexual functioning. Homework assignments are typically given to establish and reinforce beneficial change.
FAMILY THERAPY
Family therapy examines the strengths and roles of family members, the structure of the family, developmental stages of family members, family communication style and outside systems the family is affected by or involved with. All family members need to be involved initially. Strategies for change are discussed and homework is assigned.