Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor

                                    Phone: 954-600-6035

                                    cotton5150@aol.com

Designing solutions in minimal steps...

1. International presenter: Presented a workshop at the first Solution Focused World Conference in Aruba, April 10-12, 2008. Workshop topic: Utilizing Solution Focused Group Therapy Practices with Long-Term Psychiatric Patients in an Outpatient Program.
   

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4. Invited international plenary presenter: Presented at the Solution Centre International Conference themed, “Building Solutions with Children, Youth, and Families” in Amsterdam, Holland: May 22, 2007. Topic: Leaving No Footprints: The Therapeutic Style of Insoo Kim Berg; Presented with Arnoud Huibers (NED).
   

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7. Invited international presenter: Co-presented with Dr. Lee Shilts at the Solution Centre International Trainer’s Conference in Amsterdam, Holland: March 24 & 25, 2006. Topic: Classroom Solutions: Implementing WOWW Programs in Different Educational Settings (Solution-Focused Brief Therapy model).

First Annual Solution-Focused World Conference, Aruba, 2008

Professional Disclosure Statement

My philosophy of therapy includes adhering to the tenets of Solution Focused Brief Therapy Practices in treating mental health and relationship issues.

I generally believe that therapy should be brief and can be conducted within 10 sessions or less in most cases, however there are some exceptions.

I believe that something is always working for clients and my job as a therapist is to note what is currently working, no matter how small, and emphasize this. I focus on the strengths and resources of those with whom I work.

I believe in working with diverse therapy participants who are different from myself in regard to values, beliefs, religion, sexual orientation, social class, race, gender, disability, education, or any other factors.

I believe in collaborating with therapy participants about what the goals of therapy should look like.

I believe that there are always exceptions to problems and I do my best to avoid fixed perspectives.

My theory of change is that change is always happening (even from the first phone call) and my job is to ask good questions in regard to the changes that are already occurring.

My questions focus mostly on the present and the future, but I may ask about past successes.

There are no guarantees that therapy will work, but I can only do my best, as I know therapy participants are willing to do their best. We can do our best together and build a hopeful experience.

    Meta-Systemic Therapist:

1. *Human Relational Systems
   

2. *Mental & Cognitive Systems
   

3. *Communication Systems
   

4. *Behavioral & Interactional Systems

I’m currently putting private practice work on hold until January 2011 so that I can finish my dissertation. If you need a referral, please call me: 954-600-6035

My Radio appearance with Dr. Lisa Palmer, LMFT  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/renewyourlife