Introduction

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" height=90 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" background="127015b3.jpg"> <div> <B>Introduction</B></div> <div> <B>Introduction</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="id94.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Vitae">Vitae</A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="publication.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Publication">Publication</A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> I am pleased to be able to use the Internet as a method to provide information that may be helpful to you in learning more about psychology in general and my practice in particular. </div> <bR> <div> I believe that each client desires to be shown respect. I believe that it is essential that you feel that your values, beliefs and feelings are regarded as important. That respect is expressed from the initial call to my office. The office staff is trained to provide you, to the extent possible, with accurate information about my services including the costs. In addition, I intend that my relationships with clients are characterized as ones in which they feel that they are treated respectfully.  I hope that you will feel that your concerns are heard and appropriate, professional responses and/or suggestions are offered.</div> <bR> <div> I am deeply committed to practicing in an ethical fashion. Ethical practice includes fundamental aspects of a therapeutic relationship such as confidentiality and informed consent. Confidentiality is an ethical principle which guides me to do all within my ability to protect your privacy and maintain your confidences. Informed consent refers to doing my best to keeping you informed of any practices that affect you so that you can knowingly choose to participate. </div> <bR> <div> I try to address these aspects of my practice in a set of written practice policies that each client is asked to read before we begin. I will also gladly respond to any questions that client's have before we begin. I believe it is necessary for client to be as fully informed as possible.</div> <bR> <div> It might also be helpful to you for me to briefly address the role of religious beliefs in counseling and psychotherapy. Faith in God and religious beliefs are often at the core of an individual's life as he or she attempts to resolve personal and mental health problems. It is only appropriate that such individuals feel free to deal with those parts of their life in psychotherapy.  I do not portray myself as a "Christian Counselor" nor do I use my professional role to advocate for certain religious views. If I ever felt that my views so biased me that I could not be fair and objective with a client, it would be appropriate for me to acknowledge that and help the client find someone else to work with.</div> <bR> <div> I also encourage you to think about the professional qualifications of the therapist that you select. It is advisable to work with a therapist who has an appreciation for sound, clinical training and research as opposed to a therapist that seems to be quick to use the latest fade approach. Opinions are easily formed but not easily supported. We have learned a great deal about mental illness, stress and health psychology. You should work with someone who has been properly trained and who strives to stay abreast of clinical findings through continuing education and professional development. </div> <bR> <div> Return: <A HREF="http://help4self.net" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://help4self.net">Help4Self.net</A></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>