Pamela Burch, MSW, LCSW

There are times when individuals and families may need professional help in coping with and recovering from changes, loss or stressful times in business or personal life. Counseling is advised before situations reach a crisis or to quickly find answers to stabilize the crisis.

About Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a complex and rich process that can reduce symptoms, provide insight and improve functioning and quality of life. Psychotherapy can help individuals cope better in general and develop a sense of self worth. Psychotherapy varies depending upon the parties involved and the problems that are to be addressed. The process is about change: Change in your understanding, change in your behavior, change in your thinking. Psychotherapy is a journey to a place of healing.

Psychotherapy can have benefits and risks. Since therapy often involves discussing difficult aspects of your life, you may experience uncomfortable feelings such as sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, even loneliness. On the other hand, psychotherapy has also been shown to have significant benefits for those who press through the process. Therapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems and significant reduction in feelings of distress. Developing a supportive and trusting relationship with the therapist is essential. My goal is to establish a safe place for clients. My role is not to judge, but to walk alongside you in this journey.

Our first few sessions will involve an assessment of your needs which will enable me to offer you some first impressions of what our work will include. Together we will formulate an individualized treatment plan as a guide to follow. Therapy sessions are 45-55 minutes in length and in the beginning need to occur weekly in order for us to begin building a trusting relationship. The duration of the process depends on individual needs. When you are ready to begin your journey, contact my office to schedule an appointment.

When to Seek Professional Counseling

Persons dealing with one or more of the following issues may benefit from professional counseling.

"Pam has helped my wife and I navigate some rougher times of our relationship and even guide us through preparing for marriage. Thanks to her we have tools at our disposal to handle conflicts as they occur, as well as keep perspective on why we are married and love each other, even in the hardest of times. She is such a blessing, and we are so thankful to have her in our lives. "

O.J.

Types of Therapy

Individual and family therapy is offered for children, adolescents and adults.

At times one specific type of therapy is most effective and other times integrating several different types is indicated. This is dependent on an individual or family’s specific needs. Listed below are different types of therapy used in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Therapeutic methods may be augmented by a Christian perspective as agreed upon by client and therapist.

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, also called Insight Oriented Therapy, assists individuals in understanding the issues that motivate and influence their behaviors, thoughts and feelings.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps individuals recognize distorted thinking and learn to replace this thinking with more realistic substitute ideas.

Behavior Modification helps individuals identify ineffective behavior, more effective behavior, and ways to change behaviors in order to be more successful in all areas of living.

Family Systems Therapy recognizes that the family is a complex system. Each member plays a part in that system. This process helps individuals discover their role in their families past and present as well as understand the impact on their more current roles.

Play Therapy recognizes that play is a child’s natural form of communication. This process provides a non-threatening way for children to express themselves. Children are often more comfortable expressing thoughts and feelings through the play process.

The type(s) of therapy used is not as important as the outcome. Therapy, when utilized constructively, can produce the following outcomes. Individuals and families can:

• Address and resolve their own problems
• Receive support
• Resolve conflict
• Understand problems and feelings
• Try new solutions to old problems
• Raise self esteem