J. Wheeler Private Client Group, LLC

My process begins with the first conversation with my client(s), typically by video or phone. In this conversation, I typically get a picture of the client system (the people involved in maintaining and/or resolving the presenting problem), the nature of the presenting problem, and the client's goals and, accordingly, begin to identify who will be directly involved in counseling. Prior to the first session, I typically review any questionnaires I asked the client to complete that give me a sense of the client's description of the world immediately surrounding the client and any relevant history, medical information, etc. The first session is dedicated to hearing the client's first-hand account of the presenting problems and what they want to do about them. The first session is really about establishing a collaborative working alliance, clarifying goals, and identifying problem sequences that constrain solution building. Subsequent sessions are dedicated to deconstructing problematic sequences, identifying constraints, recruiting resources, and employing solution sequences. As always, collaborative reflection and adjustments are made when necessary, with strict adherence to the evolution of goals throughout our work together. I strive to embrace my client in his or her context - past, present, and future. Uncovering the hidden constraints in life experience is powerful, and may unlock the strengths innately embedded in every individual to choose what happens next.

I am a Masters-level counselor-in-training through the Family Institute at Northwestern University, working toward a Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling. My expected graduation date is August, 2019. Through my affiliation with this program, I am qualified to counsel under the supervision of a clinical director of the university and a licensed supervisor and counseling professional in Indiana, currently at Building Bridges Counseling in Westfield, IN. My current education has prepared me to offer counseling services to adults, adolescents, children, groups, couples, parents, and families. I will continue to receive close supervision, collaboration, and consultation to provide you with the best care possible.

$50/week for unlimited access to professional counseling via my HIPAA-compliant video or messaging online platform (use your smart phone, iPad, computer, etc.). Real-time meetings (video/phone/chat) subject to availability and must be scheduled via your private "room" scheduler. Insurance not accepted. In-person sessions are available at my office in Westfield, IN for an additional fee.

In my previous professional life, I worked with young children all they way up to collegiate young adults in the athletic world as a coach, clinician, and mentor. Inevitably, this work involved their respective families at times. I found myself located in a small way as a part of their family system, and played a role as observer at times, as interventionist at others, all the while acknowledging the privilege I was gievn just to be a part of it. That hooked me. When the time came, I decided to pursue an advanced degree in Clinical Counseling to "formalize" some of the work I was already doing. Needless to say, my eyes have opened wider, and my capacity has grown accordingly. I am excited to build my life in this profession.

My current education has prepared me to offer counseling services to adults, adolescents, children, groups, couples, parents, and families. I especially enjoy working with young people and young adults on their journeys of self-discovery. Self-discovery is really what all of this counseling "stuff" is all about!

This is difficult to describe because events in therapy come in all shapes and sizes. I have countless examples of these events I am fond of. In fact, my profession calles these "corrective emotional experiences". These experiences could also be described as an "a-ha" moment to some degree. In fact, it is these experiences that begin to rewire the brain, effectively changing how we experience life itself. This is exactly the promise of effective mental health counseling and therapy.

All "pros" are not the same. I encourage you to interview your counselor. Make sure you fit together - and make a change if you don't. This is about you, not them. Don't short yourself and generalize any negative experiences to all counselors. You deserve the best counselor for you. Find them.

Ask youself if you are approaching this process - yes, it is a process - with as much openness as you can muster. We call this "work" because it is work - but you don't have to do it alone.