​Areas of Focus

We currently treat adults for individual, couples and marital counseling at both our Bonita Springs and Naples Office. We also treat adolescents between the ages of 13-17 at our Bonita Springs Office. We will soon be adding a Christian Play Therapy program for younger children between the ages of 5-12 at our Naples Office. Stay Tuned. You are also welcome to call to confirm whether we treat an issue you are struggling with. If we don't, we will do the best we can to provide a referral if needed. We also provide training and workshops. Click here to learn more. ​​​

​Specialty Areas

​Bilingual ​Counseling for Both Individuals and Couples 
Comprehensive Sex Addiction Program for the Addict, Spouse and Marriage Since 2004
Infidelity/Affair Recovery for the Individual, Couple and Family
Trauma Recovery for Spouses After a Disclosure of Sexual addiction and/or Affairs 
Post Abortion Issues for Men and Women 
Certified in Prepare/Enrich for Premarital Counseling
Certified in PREP, a Highly Effective and Researched Backed Marriage Education Program 
Certified in STEP, a Parent Education Program 
Sex Trafficking Issues 
Elderly and Caregiving Issues ​
Music and Water as a Healing Agent in Counseling
Psychodrama
​Mindfulness 
Emotionally Focused Therapy and the use of Attachment Theory With Couples 
Somatic Experiencing 
Massage to Help the Body Heal From Trauma and/or Stress

​​Individual Issues

​​​Female Specific Issues
Male Specific Issues 
Anxiety
Panic Attacks or Panic Disorder
Fear and Phobias
Obsessive Compulsive DO (OCD)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Current or Previous Traumas of Various Kinds
Abuse History (emotional, sexual, physical)
Sex Addiction 
Alcohol and Drug Addiction 
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA)
Post Abortion Issues for Men and Women 
Reproductive Loss in General Such as Miscarriage and Still Born 
Family of Origin Issues
Perfectionism
​Eating Disorders 
Shame vs Grace
Anger Management 
Depression
Adjustment Difficulties
Divorce Recovery
Grief and Loss of Various Kinds 
Self Esteem Issues
Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Support for Both Individuals and Families Dealing With Chronic Illness or Decease Such as Cancer

​​Relationship and Couple's Issues 

​General Marriage Counseling
​Premarital Counseling
Communication Problems
Handling Conflict in a Healthy Way
Trauma's Effect on Conflict and Communication​
Step Parenting and Blended Family Issues 
Conflict Regarding Parenting Styles and Discipline 
Emotional, Physical and Spiritual Intimacy Issues 
Attachment and Bonding Related Issues 
Having Fun and Dating as a Couple
Role Responsibility
​Financial Issues
Trust Issues 
Comprehensive Sex Addiction Program for the Addict, Spouse and Marriage Since 2004
Infidelity/Affair Recovery for the Individual, Couple and Family
Trauma Recovery for Spouses after a Disclosure of Sexual Addiction, Affairs, or Betrayal of all Kinds
Sexual Integration in the Healing Process from Sexual Addiction ​
Sexuality Concerns ​​
Forgiveness Issues Within the Relationship 
Love and Romance Addiction
Codependency
Post Abortion Recovery for Couples
Healing as a Couple From Reproductive Loss in General Such as Miscarriage and Still Born ​​​

Child/​​​Adolescent Issues 

​​Depression
Anxiety
Self Esteem Issues
Peer Pressure 
Body Image 
Substance Use/Abuse
Anger Problems
Behavioral Issues
School Problems
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Bullying
Divorce 
Death/Losses
Abuse/Neglect
Parenting/Teen Issues 
Stepparenting Issues
Eating Disorders
Dating
Sexual Issues
Social Skills ​

​Treatment Approach

Our counseling is grounded in sound psychological theory. Some of the theoretical approaches used in counseling include:
  • Person Centered 
  • Psychodynamic 
  • Behavioral
  • Attachment Theory
  • Imago Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral
  • Family System's Theory
  • Emotionally Focused Couple's Theory
  • Mindfulness and Neurobiology
  • Psychodrama and Experiential
  • Somatic Experiencing 
  • Narrative
  • Gestalt
  • Existential 
  • Solution Focused Brief Therapy
​
Evidenced Based Practice
We use evidenced based practice and theory to treat presenting problems based upon individual need and diagnosis. We also assess and treat presenting problems from a Family System's perspective. The whole system is assessed and treated and often not the individual alone. Based on research, treatment is proven to be much more effective this way.
​
What is evidenced based practice?
Approaches to prevention or treatment that are based in theory and have undergone scientific evaluation. "Evidence-based" stands in contrast to approaches that are based on tradition, convention, belief, or anecdotal evidence.

What makes us unique? 
We provide a whole range of services while integrating state of the art music and video, faith and theology, with evidenced based psychological theory in the healing process.This all takes place in an atmosphere as comfortable as a coffee shop. 

We have provided you with some information below that includes references on the use and effectiveness of music and video, psychodrama, mindfulness, emotionally focused therapy, attachment theory and somatic experiencing in counseling. We hope this information gives you a better idea of what to expect in the treatment process of counseling and why we use these effective treatments. Some examples of their uses in counseling include:
  • Integrating music and video to access right brain processing and healing as a result of trauma of various kinds
  • Using Psychodrama as a tool in the integration and healing of trauma memories and experiences  
  • Using Mindfulness to help both individuals and couples affected by trauma move their brain out of a state of reactivity and fear to a state of being fully present and in a place of peace 
  • Concepts from Emotionally Focused Therapy, Attachment Theory and Interpersonal Neurobiology are used to help individuals and couples heal their brains from trauma and attachment injury
  • Concepts from the theory of Somatic Experiencing are used to help individuals who have experienced trauma in their body move out of a state of fight, flight or freeze​

Why use music and video in the healing process? 
Music and video are often able to access the right brain where trauma and memories are stored for many individuals. Most people who have experienced some form of trauma have built up walls and developed strong defense mechanisms to survive. Unfortunately, people remain stuck in this way of surviving. Music and video are wonderful pathways into the healing process, where words and logic don't often reach in a normal counseling process that involves talk only. To view an excellent video that explains the power of music in healing at both a physical and psychological level, click here. Oliver Sacks, author of Awakenings shares in this video what he has learned about the power of music and it's effect on the brain. To view it, click here  ​

"Memories stored in various brain structures are retrievable through the process of listening to music.These memories produce changes in brain chemistry." 
-Donna Rockwell, PSY.D.

"The power of music to integrate and cure. . . is quite fundamental. It is the profoundest nonchemical medication." 
-Oliver Sacks, Awakenings

"To sing is to feel and to feel is to heal." 
-Kelita Haverland, Singer and Songwriter 

"I've found that music can be powerful and often times cuts through to the heart of the matter.
We see this as a way to approach a difficult topic in a sincere and heartfelt way." 
-Matthew West, Singer and Songwriter
​
"My heart has often been solaced and refreshed by music when sick and weary." 
-​Martin Luther

"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything." 
-Plato

"Through my work as a songwriter, I have seen the power of music to be able to speak to somebody when
​talking just didn't seem to work." 
-Steve Siler, Music for the Soul 

"Sadly, talking about terrible things in therapy alone doesn't quite make it go away." 
-Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

​​References

​Mental Health Program Hits the Right Notes
Music a Powerful Tool in Your Counseling Sessions
​​Psychotherapy and Music Therapy
​On The Road Again: Music Therapy’s Role in Gabby Gifford’s Recovery
The Music, Acoustics, Perception and Learning Lab 
Music and Health Research Collaboratory
Music, Science & Medicine at the New York Academy of Sciences
This is Your Brain on Music by Dr. Daniel Levitin 
International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research
​Psychotherapy and Music Therapy​
Why use Psychodrama?
Often times the trauma memories stored in the brain have been walled off as a way of surviving. Unfortunately the effects of these memories may still impact the individual. Integration of memories with emotions to allow healing to take place is more effective in the "acting or doing" of a memory. This releases emotions and reframes how one thought or felt about that memory and experience. Through this process there is often a reduction in symptoms. This type of work often opens the door for a forgiveness process to take place. Just like with music, this is an effective tool to access the right brain, where talk therapy often can not. 

"A meeting of two: eye to eye, face to face. And when you are near I will tear your eyes out and place them instead of mine, and you will tear my eyes out and will place them instead of yours, then I will look at me with mine."
-Jacob Levy Moreno, Founder of Psychodrama

"Mental catharsis is here defined as a process which accompanies every type of learning, not only release and relief but also a catharsis of integration."
-Jacob Levy Moreno

How can Mindfulness be a great tool in helping clients heal from trauma? 
Since the brain has been affected by trauma and can be in a state of hyperarousal or reactive state, in order to get the brain to a place of calm, deep breathing and the practice of mindfulness can help in that process. Often times negative and fearful thoughts can get triggered from the brain that has experienced trauma. Mindfulness teaches the art of noticing and being aware versus reacting to what your brain is telling you that is often rooted in the limbic system. Less focus on the fear and more on here and now helps the brain move out a reactive state based on trauma. Daniel Siegel, who wrote the book Mindsight, would say that your prefrontal cortex was learning to have greater control or regulation of the limbic system response. 

“Mindfulness practice means that we commit fully in each moment to be present; inviting ourselves to interface with this moment in full awareness, with the intention to embody as best we can an orientation of calmness, mindfulness, and equanimity right here and right now.” 
-Jon Kabat-Zinn

“Be happy in the moment, that's enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.” 
-Mother Teresa

What is Emotionally Focused Therapy and Attachment Theory?
Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples is the fastest growing evidenced-based approach to treating relational distress in couples, in the world. Developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, EFT provides a well researched road map for helping couples grow closer and resolve relational problems. ​​​

​​References

​Attachment Theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy for Individuals and Couples
Emotionally Focused Therapy Backed by Evidenced Based Research ​​​​
Why understanding Interpersonal Neurobiology can help both the individual and couple heal from either attachment trauma or trauma in general? How the brain can change through neuroplasticity. 
​The brain can heal and integrate and build new pathways even though the brain was impacted in those areas early in life possibly due to trauma during the early attachment years. 

"If one is wounded in relationships, one can heal in relationships." 
-Harville Hendrix, Author of Getting the Love you Want 

Our brains can heal in an integrative way with a partner you have created a safe and secure attachment with. It requires the partner to provide what one may not have received from a parent. This might include mirroring, validation and empathy in the communication process, especially when under stress or being triggered in one's trauma. 

"For the brain, integration means that separated areas with their unique functions, in the skull and throughout the body, become linked to each other through synaptic connections. These integrated linkages enable more intricate functions to emerge—such as insight, empathy, intuition, and morality. A result of integration is kindness, resilience, and health. Terms for these three forms of integration are a coherent mind, empathic relationships, and an integrated brain."
-Daniel Siegel, Author of Mindsight and Healing Trauma: Attachment, Mind, Body, and Brain

Why use the application of the theory of Somatic Experiencing as part of the treatment of trauma and PTSD? 
"Traumatic symptoms are not caused by the ''triggering'' event itself. They stem from the frozen residue of energy that has not been resolved and discharged; this residue remains trapped in the nervous system where it can wreak havoc on our bodies and spirits. The long-term, alarming, debilitating, and often bizarre symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develop when we cannot complete the process of moving in, through and out of the ''immobility'' or ''freezing'' state. However, we can thaw by initiating and encouraging our innate drive to return to a state of dynamic equilibrium". 
-Peter Levine, Ph.D​​​