Counselling at The Phoenix Centre
with Wayne C. Allen

As time goes by and life becomes more complicated, many people are noticing the breakdown of things we have taken for granted — work, family, meaning.

• We confront violence and many react with apathy.

• We confront distrust and many react by withdrawing.

• We confront crisis, and many react by trying to escape.

A primary learning Psychotherapy provides is: growth comes from crisis.

While this seems like an impossible contradiction, crisis has the power either to stop us, or to provide motivation to move in new directions.

Who Needs Psychotherapy?

Virtually everyone can benefit from Psychotherapy at some point in their lives. Counselling is a process of self-exploration, often motivated by a crisis that requires a change of direction. We best make this change through clear decision-making. Because crisis time is unsettling, making meaningful choices is difficult. This process becomes easier under the guidance of a professional Psychotherapist.

Therapists are trained to help others help themselves. Through directed activities (homework, role playing, in-depth conversation) and specifically through the mirroring process (as the therapist helps the client to see him / herself clearly), clients begin to understand what they can change and what they cannot. Clients are encouraged to change the things under their control. Clients learn new, creative approaches to living their lives.

My problem is different — will my Therapist understand?

Therapists, of course, are human. They may be surprised by information provided by a client, but their training and experience allow them to accept and deal with a wide range of behaviour. The Therapist expects the client to be stuck — that the client has something to work on. That’s why clients come for therapy. Therapy is not about right and wrong. Therapy is about teaching clients to live successfully.

What kinds of issues are dealt with?

Almost any issue that is causing distress is a reason for seeking professional Psychotherapy.

A partial list:

• Depression
• Grief (over death, violation, loss of a job, issues of ageing.)
• Anxiety
• Person to Person Issues (marital difficulties, problems with children, etc.)
• Sexual dilemmas and dysfunctions
• Career changes or difficulties
• Growth Issues

What are Growth Issues?

Clearly, most people, at some time in their lives, experience a vague disquiet — a sense that something, usually difficult to define, is amiss. When explored, the person realizes they are confronting a growth or internal development issue. Such people begin to ask, "Why am I here?" or "What is life all about?" This is perhaps the single most important question to be confronted throughout our lives. It takes a particularly skilled Therapist to help the client walk this path of self-knowing.

How do I know a Therapist
is competent?

• A Masters Degree in a counselling field would be a good starting point.
• Seek a referral from your Family Physician, or from friends who have been in therapy.
• Once you have selected a Therapist, you should feel free to interview the Therapist about his or her training, specia;izatopns, and approach.
• Remember, in Ontario, anyone can call themselves a Therapist or Psychotherapist. Ask questions!
• Finally, you should feel comfortable with your Therapist. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, discuss it with your Therapist.

Who does the Counselling at
The Phoenix Centre?

Wayne C. Allen is a trained Psychotherapist, and the Director of The Phoenix Centre. His Masters Degree in Pastoral Counselling is from Wilfrid Laurier University (1983). His practical training was a full time, two-year Internship at Interfaith Pastoral Counselling Centre in Kitchener, Ontario. He has counselled several hundred clients since creating the Phoenix Group in 1982. His expertise is in crisis management, Bodywork, communication and growth issues. He works with individuals and couples.

How do I make an appointment?

You may reach us by phone at:

1-800-220-7749 (in North America)

Worldwide: (519) 208-1924

or e-mail us

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