SPH Counseling

               Shane P. Hodges, LPC

Let's work together at discovering the best you!

Is counseling right for me? 
The decision to seek counseling is an individual choice. People come to counseling for a variety of reasons. Some come to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Others come in response to unexpected changes in their lives, such as a divorce or work transitions. Many seek the advice of a counselor as they pursue their own personal evolution and growth. Counseling can provide insight, support, and strategies for all kinds of life challenges. Counseling can also help with such issues as conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, trauma, and general life transitions. Counseling can be appropriate for those interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working toward positive change in their lives.

Do I really need counseling?

Life is full of challenging situations, and while you may have been able to work through other difficulties you have faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking extra support when you need it. In fact, counseling is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand. That is something to be commended. When you seek counseling, you are taking responsibility by accepting where you are in life and making a commitment to improve the situation. 

How can counseling help me? 
Participating in counseling can offer a variety of benefits. The process can provide support, problem-solving skills, and coping skills - all of which are tools you can use to redirect damaging patterns and overcome challenges you may face. Many people find counseling to be a tremendous asset in managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and daily challenges. Counseling can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

          -Learning how to be your most authentic self

          -Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals, and your personal values
          -Developing skills for improving your relationships
          -Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
          -Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
          -Managing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
          -Improving communication and listening skills
          -Changing behavioral patterns

          -Learning how to create and maintain healthy boundaries
          -Improving your self-esteem

          -Processing prior traumatic events

What does a counseling session look like? 

Every counseling session is unique. They are meant to fit the needs of each client and to focus on their specific goals. Typically, you will discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during a session. It is also common for clients to schedule weekly sessions, with each session lasting approximately fifty minutes. The duration of the counseling process varies depending on several factors. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your daily activities between sessions. For an effective outcome you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking counseling should be willing to take responsibility for their actions, work toward change, and create greater self-awareness in their lives.