Top Myths about counseling in Santa Clarita
What do you picture when you visualize counseling in Santa Clarita?
Do you picture laying on a sofa, a balding man, smoking a pipe, looking across at you from his modern leather chair psychoanalyzing you? Thankfully, Frazier is not in the building! (I did meet the actor who played him once and he was very nice.) The whole counseling world can be a little intimidating and confusing. There is a large amount of misinformation and myths about counseling in Santa Clarita.
I know it can be confusing figuring out how to get the kind of counseling you need, especially when it’s for those closest to your heart. These top 5 myths about counseling in Santa Clarita will help you focus on finding a good match.
Myth #1: There are no Christian counselors in Santa Clarita.
Sometimes it can be hard to tell which counselors are Christians. This is because many counselors in Santa Clarita don’t want to limit themselves with just seeing Christian clients. I am a Christian and I label myself as a Christian Counselor in Santa Clarita so that people will be able to easily find me. I enjoy seeing clients of all different faiths. I even see people who identify as an atheist or agnostic as well. If you would like referrals for other Christian Counselors try SAGA. All the clinicians in SAGA are Christian counselors and have been thoroughly interviewed about their beliefs, interventions, and faith. Real Life Church has a directory on their website as well.
Myth #2: I've done a bad job as a parent if I send my kid to counseling in Santa Clarita.
The Bible talks about wisdom being in a multitude of counselors. We talk to our friends about our kids. We also talk to pastors, parents, and “research” online. When your kids have a physical problem you take them to a physician. What about a tooth problem? When their car breaks down, let’s get them to a mechanic! When academics suffer, tutoring is the answer. I don’t know about you, but I value the professional. Someone who is educated and trained in research based interventions. A professional knows how to create a nonjudgemental environment where you and your child can be safe to share. Believe it or not, kids really want to please and impress their parents. It’s easier to tell a stranger their failings then to admit it to those closest to them. I know it can be terrifying to let go of control and entrust another person with your children. Calling a professional licensed counselor means you’re an even better parent because you are going the extra mile for your family.
Myth #3: A counselor in Santa Clarita is just there to listen and nod their heads
I love it to death, but counseling children and teens is hard work, that’s why not many counselors in Santa Clarita specialize in it. I build relationships with parents and kids through playing games, sports, and being creative. Over time we build a connection so they are relaxed and able to learn and grow. We have a plan and learn skills so your baby doesn’t have to be in therapy forever. Both the parents and the child take part in making treatment goals. Each session is carefully crafted with research based interventions to guide your greatest treasure towards their goals. For instance, to treat social anxiety I use CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and ACT therapy techniques. For social skills, depression and high risk behaviors DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) is used to regulate emotions.
Myth #4: Counselors in Santa Clarita have all the answers and can fix you.
As a counselor in Santa Clarita, I wish I had magic fairy dust to sprinkle over clients so they could magically stop struggling but if we want to grow ourselves and really change we are going to have to do some work. What kind of work do you ask? Therapy homework of course. Sometimes this includes reading, researching a disability, calling another clinical professional for a higher level of care, writing in your journal, a worksheet, self-care, and/or practicing a skill learned in therapy. The more you dwell on and practice the skills you learn in therapy, the more you will grow and be able to reach your treatment goals. So as you can see a counselor does not have all the answers. We guide, facilitate, diagnose, collaborate, support, role play, teach, listen, coach, and love but the rest is up to each individual client.
A Free Consultation With A Counselor- In Santa Clarita: Ask Me Anything You Want!
I’m Robin Martin, a LPCC. I work with parents, children, teens, and young adults. Call me for a 15 minute consultation. 661 670-6157 or click here.
