Thank you for a great 2012!

It has been a full year in private practice. I have been fortunate enough to get many great referrals from many different sources (20 to be exact!). I did not think I would be where I am 1 year ago. I have enjoyed my work with everyone of my clients in the past year and every single one of them have made me grow as a therapist and as a person. I am grateful for that.
I think that counseling is a two way street: as a counselor, I am paid to help individuals change some cognitive processes, to embrace change, to learn how to get in touch with their emotions, to look at how engaging in use of substances can be detrimental to them, as well as reach out spiritually. This is a privilege in my opinion and having anyone open up on these difficult subjects will always be treated with the up most respect and decency. That is why I let individuals ask questions about me if they feel like it. I think that we need to show how we value their vulnerability and answering some questions, to me, is not unethical but a great relationship builder. Do I answer all questions? No, but I also look at the situation, person, and value of that information to the therapeutic relationship to make sure not to damage it.
I also sent out a survey to both my clients (current and former clients) and providers in the area. I wanted to get an idea of the source of my referrals, why individuals are coming to counseling,and, very importantly, are they satisfied. From my client list, 23% of the actually completed the survey. The survey indicates that individuals come to counseling for mental health issues (57%) and anger management (28%).  Gender and location are the two main reasons a person came to counseling. (83%) of individuals report that they feel I listen extremely or very well. All are satisfied with their therapist and would recommend his work. 84% are college educated.
As for my colleagues who referred individuals to me, 83% of the providers surveyed (13 total) made referrals to me. 91% made referrals due to my expertise, 41% made referrals related to geographical location, while gender of therapist and insurance were considered 25% of the time. 91% stated that they knew me from previous interactions. 83% stated they would definitely make referrals again.
The conclusion? Clients appeared satisfied with my work, both would recommend my work, and gender and location are very important. Thank you again and all feedback is desired and accepted.

Bonne Annee 2013

Bonjour a tous les cousins Francais qui lisent ma page. J'aimerais savoir pourquoi j'ai un grande nombre de Francais qui lisent mon blogue? S'il vous plait, laisser moi savoir en laissant vos commentaires. Merci et Bonne Annee 2013. _______________________________________________________________________________________ Hello everyone. I have had many hits from people in France. Being French-Canadian, I consider them "cousins" and would love to know about their interest in my blogue. Hopefully, I will get comments from them. Thank you and have a great 2013!