Frequently Asked Questions
What is Christian Therpay/counseling?
Our owner and founder recieved her undergraduate degree in Biblical Studies from Southwestern Bible College and went on to study for her Master of Divinity at Phoenix Seminary. Her faith is primary in her life and is integrated into the fabric of the work she does as a therapist. She currently teaches as an adjunt professor at Grace School of Theology in subjects related to counseling and faith integration.
Our therapists are all Christians who maintain a Christian world-view and are active members of their faith communities.
Spiritual formation and prayer are a part of our time together as a team.
What it does not mean is that we teach, preach or prostelize. We, like any licenced professionals, work within the boundaries and scope of our practice. We will integrate faith elements into sessions where clients request it and have expressly asked that we do so.
We do not limit our clientele based on their professions of faith.
What is a "model" of therapy?
Over the last hundred years, since Freud really, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals have developed ways of conceptualizing therapy/treatment and modes of accomplishing treatment. Research has shown that there can be differences in how effective different therapies are for different diagnosis. However, the most important thing about your therapy is the relationship between you and your therapist.
Most therapists are trained in and utilize different models for different clients. However, we all tend toward a handful of models that we like to use and that we're comfortable using. Think of this like the difference between a manual transmission and an automatic transmission. Both drive the car - some drivers have a preference for one or the other.
Do you offer Biblical Counseling?
From the Nat'l Assoc of Biblical Counselors: Biblical counseling is the personal discipleship ministry of God’s people to others under the oversight of God’s church, dependent upon the authority and sufficiency of God’s Word through the work of the Holy Spirit.
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As licenced therapists, we rely on research based, scientific methods to diagnose and treat mental health issues and symptoms. We do not believe the Bible was intended to resolve every sickness, pain or conflict. We don't believe that it even claims to be "suffient" to do so. You don't use it to change the oil on your car, set a broken bone or treat mental health issues.
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We do believe that the Bible absoultely contains foundational and reliable truths about relationships, love, trust, etc...and we believe in an integrated approach because of this.
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In short, we do not provide "Biblical" counseling, but our therapists are qualified to take an integrated approach to the therapeutic work clients are doing.
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Can you just tell me what to do?
As a therapist, it is not my place to tell you what to do. I think we all know what we want and don't want, we sometimes don't like to listen to our own voice or "internal yes or no", but no human is void of that inner voice. My goal will be to help you hear that voice, make it less threatening or scary and help you build confidence in acting on that internal guide.
I am a more directive therapist than some. I don't let clients flounder. Feedback from lots of therapy clients is that they felt a former therapist never gave feedback and didn't really help, so I try to really mirror and reflect in a clear way that is helpful.
What is IFS/Parts Work?
If you have seen Inside Out (Pixar), you actually know a lot about IFS or Parts Work. The jist of this model is that we are all made up of many internal parts. We might have an internal critic, or a part that binge eats, or a part that uses alcohol to numb. Maybe we have a part that only shows up around mom. This is not multiple personality, it is just giving structure to the dynamic we all feel.
Example: "I really want to take painting classes. I have wanted to do it for years, but another part of me thinks that's stupid." In IFS, we would become curious about what part thinks it is stupid and where that feeling comes from.
This is helpful, because we gain greater understanding for own inner world and motivations. We can heal childhood wounds in a really powerful way using this model.
For more information follow this link: https://ifs-institute.com/resources/articles/evolution-internal-family-systems-model-dr-richard-schwartz-ph-d
What is EMDR?
EMDR is the primary and most effective treatment for PTSD and CPTSD. This model uses bilateral stimulation of the brain to help reprocess traumatic events so that they no longer cause disruption.
For more information, follow this link: https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/
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How long will my child need therpay?
We have written a blog to help you better understand what to expect with your teen or child's therapy.
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What is a Safe Harbor Agreement
All parents of minor clients with shared custody are asked to sign a Safe Harbor agreement with the Cactus Wren therapist.
A safe harbor agreement is a formal agreement/contract between both parents and the therapist. We have found that far too often the hope of therapy being used to benefit one parent/one parent's interest impedes the therapeutic process and keeps the minor child from gaining maximum benefit from therapy. So, we ask that parents who are divorced and sharing custody, agree with the therapist that the child's sessions are private. Each parent agrees that neither will request or subpoena the child's records. Each parent agrees to allow the therapist full discretion in communicating necessary information to both parents.
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The allows the child to speak freely and process freely without fear of upsetting one or both parents. It allows the therapist to focus on the minor client and their needs rather than the interests of the parents and their custody disputes.
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Standard/Legal exceptions apply, such as abuse, neglect, illegal behaviors, potential dangers/risk to the client and/or the client's safety. The therapist is still a mandated reporter and follows all ethical guidelines regarding mandated reporting.