Abel Rodriguez LCSW, LCDC
My philosophy on Therapy
Sometimes the way that one feels may not represent the person they really are. As an example, if I asked you to describe your ears you could probably give me a good description of them, but if I held a mirror in front of you; you could describe every detail.
This is why my practical view of the function of therapy is a journey of self-exploration by the client, meant to increase his/her level of self-understanding and self-awareness. I, as your counselor, act as the guide or facilitator of this journey. I, as your counselor, do not act as the self-appointed expert on the client's life who effortlessly dispenses advice to the client on what he/she should be thinking, feeling, and doing. I, as your counselor, do not readily provide answers/solutions to client questions/problems regarding themselves and their lives. From my experience, clients are much more inclined to own and operate an answer/solution if it is of their own creation. On some level of consciousness based on his/her experience in life, I believe the client is in possession of the answers to his/her questions. It is my job to make those answers explicit. It is my job to help clients identify, develop, and mobilize their own resources to successfully solve problems and meet challenges.
This is why my practical view of the function of therapy is a journey of self-exploration by the client, meant to increase his/her level of self-understanding and self-awareness. I, as your counselor, act as the guide or facilitator of this journey. I, as your counselor, do not act as the self-appointed expert on the client's life who effortlessly dispenses advice to the client on what he/she should be thinking, feeling, and doing. I, as your counselor, do not readily provide answers/solutions to client questions/problems regarding themselves and their lives. From my experience, clients are much more inclined to own and operate an answer/solution if it is of their own creation. On some level of consciousness based on his/her experience in life, I believe the client is in possession of the answers to his/her questions. It is my job to make those answers explicit. It is my job to help clients identify, develop, and mobilize their own resources to successfully solve problems and meet challenges.