Raymond Alan Hansen LPC

As a therapist, and in the business world, I have long understood the importance of providing value. I strive to capture the concept of value in what I call the "So What?" question. What I mean by this might be best seen in the statement, "OK, terrific, I now know all this stuff about why I am feeling the way I feel and act the way I am acting... but, SO WHAT? ... what do I do with this stuff now?" The answer to that important question is in recognizing that self-understanding and insight empower us... they give us the power and the tools for us to make better choices. This understanding enables the client to gain the ability to behave more mindfully and less on auto-pilot. My goal is to always put the client first and provide compassionate, competent, and professional support.

I see my role as a therapist, coach, encourager, facilitator, guide, holder of the flashlight, comforter, teacher and trainer, the holder of the mirror, a partner in problem solving, and co-architect in creating new habits including healthy ways of perceiving and dealing with reality. We are collaborators on this journey. It is a journey that is only possible if there is mutual trust and respect. Nothing less will work. There will never be the "Oh, I'm the therapist and I'm up here, and you, the client, are somewhere below me." When we work together, you are, and will always be, the most important person in the room. I employ elements of many therapeutic models, including CBT, Reality Therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, and many others. I fit the approach to the needs of the client.

• Connecticut, Licensed Professional Counselor, CT 001238