Janice Lepage

LPC, LMHC

Generally, we would start with a deeper exploration of what has brought you to therapy. We will discuss the history around the issue, depending on the area focus. We will look for any current coping skills you have to address the issue, reflecting on past therapy (what worked- what did not) so we can try new avenues of therapy if so desired. We will definitely identify your strengths because EVERYONE has them, talk about supports you have or don't have in your life right now and what you’re hoping to gain from therapy. The first session is a time to allow you to "feel" me out, get a sense if you can see yourself getting to know me better and vice versa and it is always a time to ask questions. Usually, by the end of the first session you and I will have a clearer sense of direction as to what you need support around and identified goals for start of therapy.

My life philosophy encompasses these core values, empathy, strength in vulnerability, authenticity, resilience, courage, compassion, trustworthiness, consistency, fairness, commitment, faith, honesty, ethics and service to others. My life philosophy overlaps with my treatment philosophy in the way I meet my clients where they "are at" in their process, holding in faith and with deep compassion how difficult and terrifying it may be to approach change sometimes. That in being vulnerable and learning to trust again, forming new supportive bonds, we can heal the old bonds of trauma to promote long-lasting change. I propose that we all have the answers to own struggles inside of us, that our experiences provide more than enough information to explore our past to inform our current struggles.

I believe that in the spirit of authenticity there is no way my personal experience will not influence my work with clients. I bring a wealth of "human" experience to client sessions along with humanity, compassion and a sharing of my insights based on personal work I have done to grow myself. In addition, my personal experiences provide depth to the work by "feeling into" clients experience. It is especially helpful if I can relate on personal level to what someone is experiencing, this allows me to connect, provide empathy, an authentic knowing of what they are experiencing but with the utmost respect that this is THIER therapy and process of healing. I will self-disclose certain information if it informs the work as "educational" to what we are doing in that moment and to deepen the therapy relationship but only if it will not take anything away from the client. I am of the heart that my personal experience can only richen the work for a client and can be utilized in way to promote a deeper healing for them.