FAQ | Changing Light Counseling and Evaluations

What types of appointments do you offer?

I offer face-to-face in the office, remote such as Zoom, and visits at home occasionally.

What days will you see clients?

I am available six days a week and for emergencies on Sundays.

What type of issues do your clients present?

I have worked with clients who are depressed, have anxieties, have suffered trauma, have anger issues, have relationship problems, and have life transition issues, among others.

Can you guarantee favorable results in therapy?

No therapist can guarantee the results of therapy. The outcome depends on numerous factors. However, most people who want to attend therapy have good results. I use techniques and interventions researched and proven to help. The client is responsible for following assignments and committing to working through issues. Sometimes, clients are not ready to make changes. Being honest with me is essential and does affect the outcome.

What training do you have?

I have a Master of Science in Counseling and Guidance and have been in practice for over 30 years. During my career, I have had hundreds of continuing education hours in various therapeutic models, ethics, and supervision. I have extensive training in Gestalt therapy, Shame Reduction Therapy, EMDR, Grief and Loss, ADHD, testing and evaluations, play therapy, and telehealth.

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a therapy that can help people feel better after traumatic experiences. It helps with anxiety and troublesome body sensations throughout the body.

How does EMDR therapy work?

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (moving eyes or some tapping movement from left to right repeatedly). Francine Shapiro developed this therapeutic intervention. She discovered this intervention when she moved her eyes back and forth while thinking about something stressful and felt much better.

Who can receive EMDR treatment?

EMDR is helpful for any age group, including children.

Do you use meditation methods?

I include Mindfulness as an intervention. I encourage meditation and relaxation techniques.

Are you a Christian counselor?

I am a Christian, but I do not impose my beliefs on clients.

Can you be reached outside of office hours?

I encourage my clients to have an emergency call list of support and, for emergencies, to call 911. Clients can usually reach me by phone within eight hours.

What is the Safe and Sound Protocol?

Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a five-day music therapy intervention designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience. Based on Dr. Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, the program is derived from nearly four decades of research on the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and social-emotional processes.

Individuals with auditory processing disorder often exhibit sensitivity to sound and auditory overload from loud noises, leading to anxiety and/or an overwhelmed emotional state. When the emotional response to sound is negative, the limbic system stimulates the vagus nerve and the autonomic nervous system so that the individual goes into a “fight or flight” reaction response.

The SSP exercises and systematically challenges the auditory system with specifically processed vocal music focusing on the frequency envelope of human speech. This retunes the nervous system associated with regulating behavioral state and social engagement. Patients report reduced stress, anxiety, and auditory sensitivity, along with improved ability to self-regulate. In addition, research indicates an improved ability to focus on speech when background noise is present and improved ability to interpret the emotional meaning of language.

Explore https://auditorycenter.com/ for further understanding of this therapy concept.

Dr. Stephen Porges is Unyte’s Chief Scientific Advisor working in partnership with a common mission. Together, we are continuing to create awareness and educate about Polyvagal Theory and trauma, and are furthering research, product developments, and innovations to the SSP.