Lorissa Stone

Becoming a therapist was a decision I made as a child when the people around me seemed to speak about love but were unable to put it into action. As life moved on, a culmination of mixed messages, traumatic experiences, heart breaking grief, relational hardships, irrational beliefs, anxious and fearful living and seemingly never-ending depression solidified my decision toward counseling. I continue because so many go through life feeling hopeless, misunderstood, unseen and unheard. A great therapist made a difference in my life and I hope to do the same for others.

I began looking for a therapist in my early twenties. I went to many that were not the right fit to find the one that was just the right fit for me. Studies show that the right counselor is the greatest determining factor of success in counseling. I encourage everyone to take the free consult that most counselors offer and get a feel for how they work and what they offer and how well they relate to you. Counselors come from all walks of life and belief systems and experiences and have such different personalities and ways of thinking and relating with people. It is ok to make a choice and then change plans if it doesn't work. Don't be afraid to find the right fit.

I believe that every client is unique and what works for one may not work for another. There are many theories, modalities and tools that can be utilized. It is an important journey to find what works best for each individual. Don't expect dramatic life change in the first session or even the first few sessions. Commitment to the process is pivotal.

A typical session with me is about the client. My life experiences and education bring a certain expertise to the table and your individual life and experiences make you an expert on you; that makes for a powerful combination. First sessions are always a little different as the focus is more on what brings you to counseling; your story, your goals, your strengths, your weaknesses, your difficulties, etc. As sessions move forward it is a process that deepens and expands as inspiration and growth begins to take place. The process is not always easy, in fact, it rarely is. Change is difficult no matter who you are and what you know. Sometimes it just helps to have someone to work it out with.

I do prefer in person therapy if at all possible. However, it is also possible to have a great experience remotely as well. Meeting online is incredibly easy these days. There are multiple online platforms that are capable, easy to access and HIPAA compliant. Payments can be made remotely using a credit card or an app such as "Cash App". Those are some of the mechanisms of making it work, but remote therapy overall can be much the same as in person just depending on your preference. If you are making a pros and cons list, the pros of remote therapy may come down to convenience, accessibility and wearing pajamas to session and the cons could be that some technology overlooks body language and also that remote sessions may not be as effective for complex situations.