Shonna Porter LMHC
The door to the human heart can only be opened from the inside.
My work is based on the belief that our lives are rooted in relationship. Sometimes those relationships are the source of our greatest joy and sometimes the cause of our deepest suffering. It is also through relationships we learn styles of relating that helped us survive loss and pain, abuse, abandonment, and loneliness. Most often these same strategies that once served to protect us end up working against us later in life causing relational, emotional, physical and physiological distress or "dis-ease."
According to my theoretical orientation, many of the forces and dynamics that have influenced the complexity and intensity of your problem(s) are rooted in relational issues. My Christian world-view leads me to believe you are made to relate in a satisfying, authentic and honest manner free from anxiety and pain.
Ironically, most often the cure for the pain is found in the pain.
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to blossom. - Anais Nin
What You Can Expect
We will spend the first sessions discussing your reasons for seeking the help of a therapist, what you hope to accomplish in therapy, and some of your personal history. You will fill out a form that gives me some general information about you, and I will provide paperwork that will give you information about me and the therapeutic relationship we are considering.
Our first consultation session is 45-60 minutes in length. Subsequent sessions will apply according to our agreed upon fee. I do not take insurance however many insurance companies will reimburse at least in part for mental health services. My license number is #LH60498106. I charge $150.00 for the initial intake session and $110.00 for subsequent sessions. If you are paying out of pocket I can lower those fees to $125.00 for the intake and $90.00 per session. Payment is due in full at the time of service and for your convenience can be made by debit card, VISA, MC, check or cash.
In order for therapy to proceed most effectively, we will establish regular appointment times... usually weekly. During these sessions, we will look carefully at your life and at your style of relating with yourself and others.
Emotional and psychological stressors can have a physical component as well. In some cases, I may refer you to your primary care physician. Or if temporary medication is indicated and may help support your process in therapy, I may suggest that you see an additional health care provider so we may work together to comprehensively support your health and well-being.
It takes great courage for a person to be willing to seek therapy and be willing to work through the painful or troubling issues in their life. However, the freedom that can come from working through problems is remarkably life-giving and opens up new possibiliteis. If you are contemplating therapy, I would welcome the opportunity to work with you and truly believe therapy is one of best investments you can make for yourself and for those you love!
You were made and sent here for this,
to give voice to your amazement. ~Annie Dillard
“You have been harmed or profoundly disappointed in moments of your deep desires being manifest; whether it’s sexual or sensual or powerful or just wanting true intimacy or deep relationship. You cannot stop the world from hurting you. The only way our minds think that we can stop the pain, is to shut down the desire. And in the process, you kill your heart.” ~ Kirk Webb
