PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY
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INTRODUCTION
Talk with Twila Ministries, LLC exists to provide Christian-based, clinically sound counseling to individuals, couples, and families so that people experience life change emotionally, mentally, relationally, and spiritually. By "Christian-based" I mean that I operate from a Christian world-view and recognize that we are all spiritual beings who were created to be in a relationship with God. By "clinically sound" I mean that I strive to be in a constant learning process related to my field of expertise, i.e. counseling. I diligently acquire knowledge on an ongoing basis related to how people think, feel, relate and act, so that I can provide effective interventions.
"The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out."
Proverbs 20:5
CHRISTIAN-BASED
My foundation includes utilizing truths found in the Bible related to mental health issues. I believe that it is very important to respect the fact that God gives our clients the responsibility to make decisions in their lives.
As John 1:14 reveals that Jesus is full of grace and truth, so as a Christian counselor , my interventions include dealing with truth and experiencing the grace of God at the same time. Experience tells us that the presence of truth in counseling positions us to receive and walk in grace.
As Proverbs 20:5 indicates, "The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out;" we understand the necessity of exploring and resolving root issues. At the same time, I aim to help clients to make helpful changes in present situations. Since God's name "Emmanuel" means "God with us," I strive to create an experience in the counseling room whereby redemptive dynamics occur between the counselor and counselee. This requires the counselor to be "with" clients in ways that are therapeutic relationally as well as providing sound clinical treatment. In other words, I believe that significant healing and growth occurs in the context of relationships. The dynamics of the counseling relationship itself should be reparative, thereby providing a context for growth.
Finally, I have merely scratched the surface of what Christian-based treatment involves at Talk With Twila Ministries, LLC. It is my goal to relate to people uniquely (just as Jesus did in the Gospels) since no two people are exactly alike. I absolutely do not have a single step by step blueprint that I use, rather I rely on the Holy Spirit and the knowledge base God has enabled me to acquire to guide you to a redemptive path of recovery.
CLINICALLY SOUND
There are several elements that I believe are important in order to consider my treatment to be clinically sound. While this list is by no means exhaustive, it includes the following:
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I have a Master of Science degree from Wilmington University, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health; a member of the National Board of Certified Counselors, NCC.
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I utilize an array of therapeutic interventions such as family systems theory, psychodynamic theory, experiential therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy, insight oriented, structural family therapy, solution focused therapy, and many other modalities.
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All counseling approaches are carefully examined regarding their consistency with scripture as well as clinical appropriateness.
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We seek to identify and break pervasive negative patterns which may be called "re-enactments."
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Client strengths are identified and celebrated as God-given and are pathways to growth.
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The goal of treatment is change or "transformation" (see Romans 12:2).
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Clients are engaged in a treatment process which includes assessment, diagnosis, goal setting, intervention, and termination.
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Both present issues and past, underlying issues are examined.
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Presenting problems are identified and resolved, as well as the deeper developmental and/or maturity and character issues.
SUMMARY
It is my desire that your life may be enriched as you resolve issues that may be small or very large. As a counselor and a minister I have a wide variety of specialties and training that equip me to provide assistance with the many issues that face individuals, couples, families, and children.