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Vilda S. Brannen, M.S., LPC, NCC
Counseling Philosophy
As a therapist, I believe each individual is
a unique, complex and spiritual being. I
believe the counseling session is a
dedicated time and space set aside out of
your busy schedule to explore and process
the challenges of life.
I believe counseling is a joint effort in
which both you and I must be actively
involved in developing counseling goals and
assessing progress. Efforts to change
self-perception, emotions and behaviors
require work both in session and out of
session. Some change will occur quickly and
easily; but more often, change requires
slow, deliberate and repeated efforts.
I characterize my counseling as “spiritually
sensitive” as I am aware of the centrality
of body, mind and soul. I seek to help
clients integrate their own personal and
spiritual beliefs into the counseling
process. While my own spiritual journey is
distinctively Christian, I am committed to,
and hold as sacred, each client’s
perspective and prerogative to follow their
own inclination as they pursue spiritual
wholeness. A spiritual perspective, coupled
with psychological understanding, is the
basis of my practice.
The links at left will give you more
information about the services available
through Trillium Springs.
Counseling Approach
In a safe and supportive environment where
openness and honesty thrive, you can begin
focusing on self-awareness, choices, problem
solving, goal setting and spiritual growth
for the present and future. Identifying
goals to be worked on in session and those
which may need outside referrals is an
important part of the initial session.
Depending on your individual needs, I will
use different methods of therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy and a
bio-psycho-spiritual counseling approach is
the basic theoretical foundation of my work
with clients. Other areas of counseling may
include focusing on mindfulness,
responsibility, meaning of life, your
strengths and limitations, self-concept,
acceptance and change. At times such tools
as teaching of skills, re-parenting,
role-playing, modeling of behaviors,
cognitive restructuring and teaching of
relaxation skills and guided imagery may be
utilized.
“I really appreciated your
availability and ability to help me
with my patients; you have been the one
resource
I valued most in the psychotherapy community
in Atlanta.”
S. Nassir Ghaemi MD, MPH
Director, Bipolar Disorder Research Program
Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Public
Health
Emory University, Dept. of Psychiatry
February 2008 |
