Counseling Specialties

John counsels individuals, couples, families and small groups. The following list is representative of the kinds of issues that John’s clients bring to counseling. These issues overlap in a number of areas; some have common characteristics or causes, and can be helped with similar strategies. Because the different areas of an individual’s thoughts, emotions and behavior are closely related, John deals with a variety of life issues. He has found that the focus of counseling sometimes changes as progress is made, and he endeavors to see his client as a whole person, rather than restricting his focus to a few limited areas.

If you do not find the topic you are looking for, or have further questions about whether or how John deals with a particular topic, please feel free to call (425-821-3944) or email John.

(Note: reading the following list of potential problems could be “depressing” in itself. Keep in mind that the focus of counseling is not primarily on what is wrong, but how to make it better!)

Mood problems, “feeling blue,” grief and loss experiences, depression (including special circumstances such as post-partum depression or “seasonal” depression), “up-and-down” (bipolar) moods [more info on depression]

Anxiety, worry, fears, panic symptoms, obsessive thoughts, compulsive behavior, OCD

Relationship difficulties, problems with sustaining a relationship, patterns of unhealthy relationships, fear of intimacy, co-dependency, ACOA issues. (Many problems have to do one way or another with relationships. John is comfortable in meeting with people either individually or jointly regarding these issues.) [more info on couples counseling]

Self-image, body image issues, eating disorders, sexuality issues

Recovery from difficult experiences and memories, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Over several years, John led a group for women who were survivors of sexual abuse. He has helped many men and women who grew up under difficult or extreme circumstances begin a journey of healing.) [more info]

Stress reduction, anger management, and skills such as relaxation exercises

Life transitions, midlife issues, goal setting, decision-making

Personality issues, “borderline personality” (BPD)

Spiritual issues, life direction, life purpose, ethics, values, dealing with guilt (While he does not impose his beliefs on others, John comes from a Christian orientation, and his approach to these areas will be influenced by his Christian values.)

Marriage counseling (Husbands and wives may come to appointments together and/or separately.) John counsels couples in a full range of issues, such as communication, developing intimacy, conflict resolution, breaches of trust, sexual problems, financial disagreement, anger management, defining roles and boundaries, codependency, parenting, blended family issues, extended family issues, joint decision making and goal setting, spiritual intimacy, and marriage enrichment, among others. [more info on couples counseling]

Family counseling (If desired, children or other family members may be present for some or all of the sessions. Appropriate topics are discussed as they relate to the different roles, relationships and boundaries within the family.)

Youth counseling (John enjoys counseling with teens and young people. He has a background in working with youth, and was a psychological consultant to a youth residential treatment center for a number of years.)

Premarital counseling (As different topics and skills are addressed, John makes an effort to focus on those areas that are most relevant to the couple’s future success.)

Small business relationships, especially in family owned or managed businesses. In these situations there are unique challenges, and husbands, wives or other family members need to be able to switch back and forth between different roles as they relate to each other on a business as well as a personal level. [more info]

Note: The preceding list is meant to be reasonably complete, but not exhaustive. John welcomes calls (425-821-3944) or email if you would like to ask him about counseling for a particular area, whether or not you find it on the above list.