What To Expect 

Every therapist  offers different level of care and holds different standards so whether this is your first time in therapy and are curious to know what to expect or you have been to therapy before and you are curious as to what to expect when coming to PTSD, this is a brief idea of how we do things. please contact us for more information and any additional questions.

Here at Parakletos Therapeutic Services & Discipleship , we utilize Evidence-based practices to help get our patients healthy. Evidence based practice (EBP) is ‘the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values’ which when applied by practitioners will ultimately lead to improved patient outcome.

Levels Care

Telehealth: Telehealth therapy is available for only Florida residents which is  defined as the use of electronic information and telecommunication technologies such as phone conversations, video calls, or messaging to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, health administration, and public health. It’s an ideal option for those who find it hard to attend in-person sessions due to distance, time constraints, or physical limitations.

In person: In person therapy is face-to-face counseling sessions take place in the counselor’s chamber where you meet them in person after scheduling an appointment to discuss your problems. It is one of the most popular counseling formats. In-person therapy can provide a more direct connection between the patient and therapist, allowing for nonverbal cues and a tangible therapeutic environment. 

Our Program

Adolescent (13-17)

Adolescence is a complex and dynamic stage of life characterized by significant physical, emotional, cognitive, and social changes. As adolescents navigate these changes, they often grapple with various mental and emotional challenges. Some common issues that adolescents may face include:

Identity Development:

Adolescents are exploring and forming their sense of self, including their values, beliefs, and personal identity. This process can involve questions about who they are, what they want in life, and how they fit into their family and peer groups.

Peer Relationships:

Peer relationships become increasingly important during adolescence. Issues such as peer pressure, bullying, social acceptance, and peer conflict can impact an adolescent’s self-esteem and mental well-being.

Academic Stress:

Adolescents face academic pressures, including high expectations from parents, teachers, and themselves. Concerns about grades, school performance, college preparation, and future career plans can contribute to stress and anxiety.

Emotional Regulation:

Adolescents experience intense emotions as they navigate puberty and hormonal changes. Learning to manage emotions effectively, cope with stress, and regulate mood swings are important developmental tasks.

Body Image and Self-Esteem:

Physical changes during adolescence can influence body image and self-esteem. Adolescents may compare themselves to peers or media ideals, leading to feelings of insecurity, dissatisfaction with appearance, or eating disorders.

Family Dynamics:

Changes in family relationships and dynamics can impact adolescents. Conflict with parents or siblings, divorce or separation, parental expectations, and communication difficulties can contribute to stress and emotional turmoil.

Mental Health Disorders:

Adolescents can experience mental health disorders such as anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety, social anxiety), mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and eating disorders. These disorders may emerge or become exacerbated during adolescence.

Substance Use:

Experimentation with drugs, alcohol, or other substances is a concern during adolescence. Substance use can negatively affect brain development, academic performance, relationships, and overall well-being.

Sexual and Romantic Relationships:

Adolescents navigate the complexities of sexual orientation, sexual identity, and relationships. Issues such as sexual activity, consent, contraception, and sexual health may arise.

Existential Concerns:

Adolescents may grapple with existential questions about meaning, purpose, mortality, and their place in the world. These philosophical reflections can lead to anxiety or a search for deeper understanding.

It’s important to note that not all adolescents will experience these challenges, and their severity can vary widely. However, adolescence is a critical period for growth and development, and supportive interventions, such as therapy, can help adolescents navigate these challenges and build resilience.

Adult Program (18+)

PTSD unique  approach to treatment, we also use Evidence-based Practices with biblical principles  In the care for our patients.

1. Initial Assessment and Intake:
   • Purpose: The therapist conducts an initial assessment to gather information about the client’s presenting concerns, background history, current symptoms, and goals for therapy.
   • Activities: This may involve structured interviews, questionnaires, and discussions to understand the client’s mental health history, family dynamics, medical history, and any previous treatment experiences.
2. Establishing Therapeutic Goals:
   • Purpose: Collaboratively setting goals helps define the focus and direction of therapy, providing a roadmap for the client’s progress.
   • Activities: Therapists work with clients to identify specific, achievable goals that address their concerns and improve their quality of life. Goals should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
3. Treatment Planning:
   • Purpose: Based on the assessment and goals, therapists develop a treatment plan outlining the therapeutic approach, interventions, and strategies to be used.
   • Activities: Therapists select appropriate therapeutic techniques and modalities (e.g., CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy) tailored to the client’s needs and preferences. The treatment plan may be adjusted over time based on progress and emerging needs.
4. Therapeutic Interventions:
   • Purpose: Therapists implement interventions to help clients address their challenges, develop coping skills, and achieve therapeutic goals.
   • Activities: Interventions may include structured discussions, psychoeducation, skill-building exercises, role-playing, mindfulness practices, exploring emotions, challenging cognitive distortions, and promoting behavior change.
5. Building Therapeutic Alliance:
   • Purpose: Establishing a strong therapeutic alliance is crucial for effective therapy. It involves creating a trusting and collaborative relationship between the therapist and client.
   • Activities: Therapists demonstrate empathy, active listening, non-judgmental acceptance, and respect for the client’s autonomy. Building rapport and fostering a safe, supportive environment encourages openness and honesty.
6. Monitoring Progress:
   • Purpose: Monitoring progress helps therapists and clients assess the effectiveness of interventions, track changes in symptoms, and evaluate progress towards goals.
   • Activities: Therapists regularly review and discuss the client’s experiences, achievements, challenges, and insights gained from therapy sessions. Progress may be assessed using standardized measures, self-report scales, and ongoing feedback.
7. Adjusting and Modifying Treatment:
   • Purpose: Therapy is dynamic and responsive to the client’s evolving needs. Adjustments may be made to the treatment plan and interventions as necessary.
   • Activities: Therapists collaborate with clients to evaluate what is working well and what needs adjustment. Modifications may involve exploring new techniques, revising goals, addressing barriers to progress, and adapting strategies based on feedback.
8. Termination and Aftercare Planning:
   • Purpose: When therapeutic goals are achieved or when therapy reaches a natural conclusion, therapists facilitate a thoughtful termination process.
   • Activities: Therapists and clients reflect on progress, discuss achievements, review coping strategies, and prepare for transitions. Aftercare planning may involve identifying ongoing supports, resources, and strategies for maintaining gains and managing future challenges.

Marriage Counseling 

Christian marriage counseling integrates principles of Christian faith and spirituality into the therapeutic process, focusing on the spiritual, emotional, and relational aspects of the marriage. Here are some key aspects and considerations of Christian marriage counseling:

1. Biblical Foundation:
   • Approach: Christian marriage counselors often draw upon biblical teachings and principles to guide their therapeutic approach. They may use scripture, prayer, and Christian wisdom to address marital issues and promote healing.
2. Integration of Faith and Therapy:
   • Approach: The therapist integrates psychological principles with Christian beliefs and values. This integration helps couples explore how their faith impacts their relationship dynamics, communication, conflict resolution, and overall marital health.
3. Focus on Spiritual Growth:
   • Approach: Christian marriage counseling emphasizes spiritual growth and development within the marital relationship. Therapists help couples deepen their spiritual connection, trust in God’s guidance, and seek wisdom from biblical teachings.
4. Values-Based Counseling:
   • Approach: Therapy is guided by Christian values such as love, forgiveness, humility, grace, and commitment. These values serve as a foundation for understanding and addressing marital challenges.
5. Prayer and Guidance:
   • Approach: Therapists may incorporate prayer into sessions, inviting couples to seek God’s guidance, wisdom, and healing. Prayer can provide couples with a sense of peace, hope, and spiritual strength during difficult times.
6. Support for Faith-Based Issues:
   • Approach: Christian marriage counselors are equipped to address specific issues related to faith, such as spiritual conflicts, religious differences, doubts, and challenges in living out biblical principles within the marriage.
7. Community and Support Networks:
   • Approach: Therapists may encourage couples to engage with their church community or seek support from other Christian resources such as pastoral counseling, marriage retreats, or small group studies.
8. Holistic Approach to Healing:
   • Approach: Christian marriage counseling considers the holistic well-being of the couple—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. Therapists aim to help couples experience restoration, renewal, and growth in their marriage and faith journey.
9. Respect for Client Beliefs:
   • Approach: Therapists respect and honor the religious beliefs and practices of each couple, creating a safe and non-judgmental space for exploring faith-related issues and personal growth.
10. Ethical and Professional Standards:
    • Approach: Christian marriage counselors adhere to ethical guidelines and professional standards while integrating faith-based practices. They maintain confidentiality, respect autonomy, and prioritize the best interests of the couple.

Christian marriage counseling can be beneficial for couples seeking to strengthen their relationship within the context of their faith. It provides a supportive environment where couples can explore spiritual dimensions of their marriage, deepen their commitment to each other and to God, and navigate challenges with faith-based guidance and support.

Discipleship 

Christian discipleship is a process and lifestyle of following Jesus Christ and growing in spiritual maturity, characterized by learning, teaching, and living according to the principles and commands of the Bible. Here are key aspects of Christian discipleship:

Key Aspects of Christian Discipleship

1. Following Jesus:
   • Commitment to Christ: At the heart of discipleship is a personal commitment to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior. This involves a conscious decision to turn away from sin and live according to His teachings.
   • Imitating Christ: Disciples strive to emulate Jesus’ character, actions, and attitudes in their daily lives.
2. Biblical Foundation:
   • Scripture Study: Regular and deep engagement with the Bible is essential. Disciples study God’s Word to understand His will and gain wisdom for living.
   • Prayer: Maintaining a vibrant prayer life for communication with God, seeking guidance, and interceding for others.
3. Spiritual Growth:
   • Sanctification: Discipleship involves a process of spiritual growth and transformation, becoming more like Christ over time.
   • Obedience: Applying biblical teachings to life decisions and actions.
4. Community and Fellowship:
   • Church Involvement: Active participation in a local church community for worship, fellowship, and service.
   • Accountability: Building relationships with other believers for mutual encouragement, accountability, and support.
5. Teaching and Mentoring:
   • Learning: Being teachable and open to instruction from more mature believers.
   • Mentoring: Investing in others by teaching and guiding less mature Christians in their faith journey.
6. Evangelism and Mission:
   • Sharing the Gospel: Proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to others, both locally and globally.
   • Service: Engaging in acts of service and compassion to demonstrate Christ’s love.

Steps to Effective Discipleship

1. Personal Devotion:
   • Spend daily time in prayer and Bible reading.
   • Reflect on the teachings of Jesus and how they apply to your life.
2. Active Church Participation:
   • Join a local church and engage in its activities.
   • Participate in small groups or Bible study groups.
3. Seek Mentorship:
   • Find a mature Christian who can mentor you in your faith.
   • Be willing to mentor others as you grow.
4. Serve Others:
   • Look for opportunities to serve within your church and community.
   • Practice hospitality and acts of kindness.
5. Share Your Faith:
   • Be prepared to share your testimony and the message of the Gospel with others.
   • Support missionary work and outreach programs.

Parenting Skills 

Parenting skills encompass a range of abilities and approaches that help parents raise their children in a healthy, supportive, and effective manner. Good parenting skills foster emotional, physical, and psychological well-being in children and help them develop into responsible, independent, and empathetic adults. Here are some key parenting skills:

Key Parenting Skills

1. Effective Communication:
   • Active Listening: Pay full attention to your child, showing that you value their thoughts and feelings.
   • Clear Instructions: Give clear, concise instructions and ensure your child understands them.
   • Open Dialogue: Encourage open and honest discussions about feelings, experiences, and concerns.
2. Positive Reinforcement:
   • Praise and Encouragement: Regularly acknowledge and praise your child’s efforts and achievements to boost their self-esteem.
   • Rewards: Use appropriate rewards to reinforce positive behavior and motivate your child.
3. Discipline and Boundaries:
   • Consistent Rules: Establish and consistently enforce clear rules and boundaries.
   • Natural Consequences: Allow children to experience the natural consequences of their actions within safe limits.
   • Time-Outs: Use time-outs or other appropriate consequences to manage unacceptable behavior.
4. Emotional Support:
   • Empathy: Show understanding and empathy towards your child’s feelings and experiences.
   • Emotional Regulation: Teach and model healthy ways to express and manage emotions.
5. Problem-Solving Skills:
   • Encouraging Independence: Help your child develop problem-solving skills by encouraging them to find solutions to their own problems.
   • Guided Decision-Making: Guide your child in making decisions by discussing options and potential outcomes.
6. Consistency and Reliability:
   • Routine and Structure: Provide a stable routine and structure to give your child a sense of security and predictability.
   • Reliability: Be consistent and reliable in your responses and actions to build trust.
7. Education and Development:
   • Educational Support: Support your child’s education by engaging with their school activities and fostering a love of learning at home.
   • Developmental Awareness: Understand the stages of child development to provide age-appropriate guidance and support.
8. Health and Safety:
   • Healthy Lifestyle: Encourage a healthy lifestyle by promoting balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep.
   • Safety: Ensure your child’s physical safety by teaching and modeling safe behaviors and maintaining a safe home environment.
9. Role Modeling:
   • Behavioral Example: Model the behavior you wish to see in your child, demonstrating respect, kindness, and responsibility.
   • Positive Attitudes: Exhibit positive attitudes and behaviors towards others, showing how to handle challenges constructively.

Strategies to Improve Parenting Skills

1. Parenting Education:
   • Attend parenting classes or workshops to learn new techniques and strategies.
   • Read books and articles on parenting to gain insights and ideas.
2. Seeking Support:
   • Join parenting groups or forums to share experiences and get advice from other parents.
   • Consult with child development experts, such as pediatricians or child psychologists, for professional guidance.
3. Self-Care:
   • Take care of your own physical and emotional needs to ensure you are at your best for your child.
   • Practice stress management techniques to handle parenting challenges calmly and effectively.
4. Reflective Parenting:
   • Regularly reflect on your parenting style and effectiveness, and be open to making adjustments.
   • Seek feedback from your child and partner to understand how your parenting is perceived and how it can improve.

Conclusion

Effective parenting requires a combination of communication, discipline, emotional support, and consistency. By developing and honing these skills, parents can create a nurturing environment that promotes their child’s overall well-being and development. Continuous learning, seeking support, and practicing self-care are essential strategies for improving parenting skills and fostering a positive, healthy relationship with your child.