My Approach
I really love learning about and talking with people about their relationships. Also, I believe I have a knack for helping. When I started Bartlow Counseling Center, I wanted to do something different. I wanted my practice to reflect my unique skills and insights with an emphasis on treatments for couples and individuals with relationship-related concerns.
In addition, I enjoy individual counseling which encompasses a wide range of personal struggles. I typically do not treat children, individuals with substance abuse, or severe mental health concerns. I refer those clients to specialized therapists in their respective fields because I believe GOOD therapy comes from being good at a few things and not “okay” at all things.
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I work best with people who are motivated, ready to learn, and who are committed to creating happier, healthier, and more balanced relationships with themselves and their loved ones. I love providing tools and techniques so you can reach your potential and ultimately no longer need therapy. I know your time and money are valuable so I try to be as structured and goal-oriented as possible.
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I understand that looking inward and evaluating your own role in the challenging situations you are facing can be difficult. It is also an important path to understanding yourself better and finally being able to make changes in your life. Therapy requires a lot of work and effort on your part. I have heard people say that “therapy doesn’t work.” My response to that is, ‘How hard did you work outside of therapy?” Therapy cannot work unless you do. To put that into perspective, if you attend a 50-minute session weekly; you have 167 hours a week to use the skills you learned in therapy to make changes in your life, the very changes you want to make happen. There are several things you can do outside of therapy to accelerate the process of reaching your goals: you can focus on using the skills you learned in a session; new insights you learned about yourself (or your partner); a different perspective you gained or you can do additional suggested reading or research.
Beth Crenshaw Photography
Based on my years of experience I believe that you have the ability to make big changes. If you are ready to do the work, you will be amazed at how capable you are to explore parts of yourself you never knew existed.
There are a lot of therapists out there who are kind and loving and will sit back and listen to you talk. I am also kind and respectful, but direct, and will inform you of my perspective as therapy progresses. Part of my role is to be accepting and understanding of each person’s reality. I will offer suggestions and support for you to achieve your goals.
I believe that each one of us can be fulfilled in our lives. If you are ready to explore what is getting in your way and figure out what to do next; then give me a call at 217-223-4673 or email me at 223hope@gmail.com. I would be more than happy to talk or correspond via email prior to making an appointment to answer any questions.