Baylife Christian Counseling, Pinellas Park, FL

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CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE COUNSELING, INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOTHERAPY, AND FAMILY THERAPY IN THE ST. PETERSBURG, TAMPA, CLEARWATER AREA

I dont understand why I do what I do . . .

This isn't who I want to be . . . I want more for this relationship . . .

I can't keep feeling this way, it's too much . . .

This cant' be normal. . . .

Every single one of us goes through periods in our life where we know we need change. And sometimes, despite our best efforts, we can't figure out how to get there. Whether you are experiencing overwhelming emotional distress, an ongoing pattern of relationship problems, or you just keep running into obstacles that prevent you from reaching your goals, therapy can help. Dr. Thomas works with individuals to help them gain insight into the cognitive, emotional, relational, physical, and/or spiritual natures of their challenges and helps strengthen and equip them to move towards healing, growth, and fulfillment.

Dr Thomas CARMEN THOMAS-COMEAUX, PHD LICENSED PSYCHOLOGISTCHRISTIAN THERAPISTDr. Thomas is a licensed clinical psychologist who provides Christian marriage counseling, individual psychotherapy, and family therapy to those in the Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa areas. "Christian Psychologist" is often considered an oxymoron because the field of psychology is overwhelmingly secular, generally providing a value-free atmosphere where truth is individually determined and personal happiness is elevated as an ultimate goal. Dr. Thomas is unique among psychologists in that she recognizes the authority of the Bible over the wisdom of man and psychology and is aware that true peace comes from a heart that recognizes truth and is in right relationship with God. She is also unique among Christian counselors in that she is trained in and committed to providing services that are grounded in the latest scientific research regarding effective treatments. Dr. Thomas received both her Masters and PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of South Florida. She has received intensive education and supervised training in the emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and biological aspects of human functioning. Throughout her graduate training, internship, and residency she has worked with diverse patients in a variety of settings. My clinical style is collaborative, compassionate, and encouraging. My confidence in the power of God to heal, restore, and enact change in those who seek Him brings a natural optimism to the therapy process. I am inspired and fulfilled by regularly seeing growth that truly transforms the lives of individuals, couples, and families.Dr. Thomas is 41 years-old, married 13 years, and is a mother. She has attended a number of different churches as she has moved through her childhood, teen and college years, and adulthood, believing that what is distinctive about various denominations is not as important as what unites them--belief in the authority and relevance of the Bible. She is currently a member of a non-denominational church in St. Petersburg.
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Counseling Approach EVIDENCE-BASED CARE ALIGNED WITH BIBLICAL TRUTHEvidence-BasedPsychotherapy has been around for many decades and, in that time, we have seen numerous psychological theories and treatments introduced, grow in popularity, and then fade into the background as the next popular theory emerged. Over time, our scientific study of treatments for various mental health issues has become increasingly prevalent and rigorous. As a result, our knowledge regarding the effectiveness of differing treatments is rapidly expanding. For many mental health issues, there are certain therapies that research has shown to be most effective. These are known as Evidence-Based Treatments (EBTs). The majority of therapists fail to use EBTs. They may not be aware of current research, may not have been trained in these treatments, or they may just choose to continue to rely on their favorite techniques. Unfortunately, a great many individuals and families experience unnecessary, prolonged suffering as they spend additional months or even years in therapy. They were never informed that evidence-based treatment options exist. Dr. Thomas is committed to providing services that effectively and efficiently address clients' concerns and goals. Therefore, her clinical approach is not derived from a particular theory, but is largely research driven. If Therapy X has shown to generally be the most effective treatment for the concern presented by a client, that approach will, at least initially, guide treatment. Yet individuals are unique; not everyone will respond in the same way. Progress is continually evaluated and frequently discussed so that the counseling process is adapted to what is most effective and what makes the most sense specifically for you. Some examples of Evidence-Based Treatments used by Dr. Thomas include Family-Based Treatment (Maudsley Method), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, and biblically-adherent techniques informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. After Dr. Thomas has had a chance to get to know the challenges you are facing, you will receive a clear explanation of what approach she recommends and why. However, counseling is a collaborative effort and your feedback is always valued and incorporated.Biblically-BasedRegardless of what treatment approach is used, there is one constant in the therapy process. The Bible is the ultimate authority for believers. Science and the field of psychology have uncovered truths that help us in our everyday lives. Much of what they have discovered are principles the Bible set down long ago. For example, research has shown that our thought life can dramatically influence our entire well-being. Numerous verses in the Bible emphasize this fact, instructing us why and how to guard our thoughts. Because all real truth is truth that God has established, Christian counseling and the secular field of psychology may often work in unison. What makes Christian counseling distinct from secular counseling is the value system from which we work. When psychological theories and associated treatments contradict what is taught in scripture, Dr. Thomas holds to Biblical standards. Secular counselors are trained to provide a value-free atmosphere where truth is individually determined. While Christian counselors honor individual differences, they recognize that truth is not arbitrary. The foundation of Christian counseling is the application of Biblical truth to the heart and lives of those seeking help.Dr. Thomas recognizes that God created us to have cognitive, emotional, relational, physical, and spiritual natures. She provides Christian counseling that is practical, effective, and addresses each of these aspects of self. All Christians are works in progress and Dr. Thomas meets individuals wherever they are in their journey with compassion and encouragement.
bible compass

All Scripture is

God-breathed

and is useful for

teaching, rebuking,

correcting and training

in righteousness,

so that the man of God

may be thoroughly equipped

for every good work.

II Timothy 3:16

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The Office

CHRISTIAN COUNSELING IN THE GREATER TAMPA BAY AREA

Baylife Christian Counseling is centrally located in the Tampa Bay area, easily accessible to those in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee counties through both US Highway19 and Interstate 275. The practice can be found in the Mainlands Office Complex at 9365 US Hwy 19N, Suite A1.* Ample parking is provided.

Dr. Thomas is pleased to offer psychological services in a confidential, professional setting. Her office is comfortable and welcoming. Day and evening appointments are available.

*Baylife Christian Counseling is not a group practice. Dr. Thomas is the sole owner and practitioner. While other therapists share the office suite, they are independent practitioners and operate separate businesses.

Services Provided

Enrich

Grow

Discover

PREMARITAL

ASSESSMENT

INDIVIDUAL

Unite

Restore

FAMILY

MARRIAGE

You've picked out the invitations, attended a number of meetings with photographers, florists, and venue coordinators, and carefully thought out menu options. So much effort, time, and resources have been devoted to ensuring this one day is successful... Have you been more devoted to ensuring the success of your life together from this day forward?

This isn't what you hoped for or expected out of your marriage. But somehow, you're here. You've tried everything you know to do and you're about ready to accept this is just the way it's going to be. Or perhaps you are thinking of giving up altogether. Don't. Change can happen. A more intimate and fulfilling marriage is possible.

Each of us has aspects of our life, such as thoughts, attitudes, habits, actions, or reactions, with which we seem to continually struggle. Sheer willpower, a resolution to hide them, or a period of undisturbed tranquility may push them down for a time, but sooner or later, they always seem to resurface. You can learn new, effective ways to make signficant and lasting change.

Psychological disorders don't just inflict suffering on the individual. The entire family can be fractured from the pain, anger, confusion, helpless, and isolation that often accompanies these disorders. The struggle does not have to dismantle one of the most valuable aspects of your life. Your family can become a united front, rising to and successfully facing the challenge.

Psychological

and Intellectual

Assessment can

provide valuable

insight into your

emotional,

cognitive,

intellectual, behavioral, and relational characteristics and functioning. This insight can dramatically shape your course of action, as well as the effectiveness and efficiency of achieving your goals.

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Premarital PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

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Marital CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE COUNSELING FOR COUPLES IN THE ST. PETERSBURG, CLEARWATER, AND TAMPA AREAS Do you remember in the beginning, before you were married, promising yourself that you and your fiancé would never become that couple? You know that couple. That couple that lives more as roommates than as partners and lovers. That couple that is always frustrated and bickering with each other. That couple that sits across from each other at the restaurant, distant and silent. That couple whose relationship and family is devastated by an affair. That couple contemplating divorce.Now you find that, somehow, you and your spouse have become that couple. You struggle with feelings of hopelessness and uncertainty. What do you do next? Through stories, songs, movies, and statistics, our culture tells us marriage is a disposable relationship--one whose shelf life is dictated by emotions. We enter marriage with romance, desire, and excitement. It's time to exit when we experience overwhelming difficulties, hurt, anger, boredom, or a lack of intimacy. But as a Christian, you know God's Word teaches that marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman that is intended to last a lifetime. Does this mean, to please God you must accept that you are destined to remain in this hurtful, unfulfilling relationship for the rest of your life? Absolutely not. What you are experiencing is not what God intended when He designed marriage. God's Word says that marriage is to be based on serving one another with sacrificial, unconditional love. Certain personality traits, weaknesses, selfish natures, and habits are all obstacles to living this out. You may be tempted to think that ending this marriage and beginning fresh with a new relationship would be the solution. Yet every relationship will have its own unique set of inescapable difficulties. And not only would you bring into the new relationship those same obstacles in you that hampered your ability to live out Godly love, you would also carry with you the painful baggage associated with a broken marriage. God loves us and longs for something better for our lives. If we allow Him, He has the power to use this marriage to mature and strengthen you, your partner, and your relationship with Him. Through this, you and your marriage may be healed and transformed. There is hope. But how to begin? Likely, you have tried everything you know to do to improve your marriage. Often, couples find it takes the help of an objective third party with knowledge and experience with relationship issues to be a catalyst for change. For Christian couples, it is vital to choose a therapist that works within the context of Biblical values. Dr. Thomas believes in the sanctity of the marriage commitment. Helping couples restore broken relationships and cultivate rewarding marriages are among the greatest joys in her professional life. Dr. Thomas will work with you and your spouse to help you move toward:INTIMACY revitalizedRESPECT inherent in true partnershipCOMMUNICATION with depth of understanding and compassionHONOR when resolving conflicts JOY of friendshipPEACE from forgiveness and acceptanceRESTORATION from hurts and unresolved issues TRUST in faithfulness of thoughts, words, and deedsCOMMITMENT to the covenant of marriageHOPE for continued growthLOVE that is unconditional and sacrificialUNITY in the common pursuit of God There are times when only one person in the marriage is willing to work or attend counseling. If that is you, find hope in the knowledge that God is still able and faithful to work in your situation. A marriage that appears doomed to fail can be transformed when even just one person gains insight, confesses with genuine humility the ways they have damaged the relationship, commits to uprooting negative patterns, and begins to act in new ways that reflect selfless love. Regrettably, we know there are circumstances, such as abandonment or violence, when it is just not possible to restore a marriage. In those cases, Dr. Thomas seeks to help the individual work through their loss, heal, and move forward with Gods help.

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Individual CHRISTIAN COUNSELING FOR INDIVIDUALS IN THE ST. PETERSBURG, CLEARWATER, AND TAMPA AREASEach of us has aspects of our life, such as thoughts, attitudes, habits, actions, or reactions, with which we seem to continually struggle. Sheer willpower, a resolution to hide them, or a period of undisturbed tranquility may push them down for a time, but sooner or later, they always seem to resurface. Discouraged, we turn to excuses and justifications, but we know these things in us get in the way of being the men and women we know we are to be in Christ. Dr. Thomas works with individuals to help them expose and deal with what is in their heart and be strengthened and renewed by God's grace and power.Dr. Thomas has training and experience in providing treatment for a number of clinical disorders, such as Major Depressive DisorderGeneralized Anxiety Disorder Panic DisorderSpecific PhobiasSocial PhobiaAnorexiaBulimia Eating Disorders NOS (not otherwise specified)However, individuals without a clinical condition often still experience significant and persisting emotional or relationship distress that interferes with their ability to function in their everyday lives. Fear, anxiety, anger, stress, hopelessness, depression, grief, poor communication, lack of assertiveness, difficulty adjusting to a significant life change: these are all things that can negatively affect your family, your friendships, your job, and your emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Thomas will use proven techniques to help you identify and stop unhealthy patterns that are creating or maintaining the problem and replace them with healthy alternatives. As a Christian counselor, Dr. Thomas will not only work toward changing thoughts and behaviors; she will work toward a lasting transformation that reaches and continues in the heart.

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Family
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Assessment PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTPsychological assessment can be a method of quickly gathering a large amount of information that might take weeks or even months to collect during normal counseling sessions. Assessment is also an early method of intervention. The results of assessment can clarify the nature of presenting problems and help identify essential goals and indicate how they might more effectively be pursued. In addition to the questionnaires administered as part of an intake evaluation, Dr. Thomas sometimes conducts a more in-depth assessment at intake or during the course of therapy, depending on the presenting problem. Testing can efficiently bring to light certain long-standing personality patterns or symptom patterns needing attention. When pursuing such an evaluation, Dr. Thomas will discuss with you in advance the rationale for the evaluation and the nature of the tests to be utilized. She will also give you feedback regarding the results of the testing. INTELLECTUAL ASSESSMENTDr. Thomas offers IQ testing to identify giftedness. For children between the ages of 6 and 16, she uses the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children--Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) which is accepted by the Pinellas and Hillsborough school systems and pretigious national gifted programs, such as Davidson Young Scholars or Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth.If you suspect that your child may be gifted, there is a good chance you are correct. Research has shown that parents are generally good at identifying giftedness in their children. You probably watched your child rapidly progress through the developmental milestones in the first three years of life and have continued to notice characteristics or abilities that seem unusual for a child of his or her age. Identification is essentialWhile parents might be good identifiers, they are not always aware that early identification of advanced development is as essential as early recognition of delayed development. Both allow early intervention that can help children reach their maximum potential and diminish or avoid commonly associated negative effects of being exceptional. Proper identification of giftedness opens up a wealth of opportunities. Enriched or accelerated instruction in schools, national gifted programs and conventions, ability-specific challenges and competitions, and gifted summer camps can provide your child with the proper social and academic environment he or she needs to flourish. Parents are the best advocatesSuccessful education of an exceptional child depends heavily on advocacy. Parents who are aware of and have educated themselves about their child's abilities and needs are that child's best, and often only, advocate. Teachers often overlook giftedness and may, instead, see behavior problems in the classroom without understanding their true cause. Boys may be deemed socially immature and may even be held back in school. Giftedness in girls is even more frequently missed than giftedness in boys. Gifted girls, desiring social acceptance, often try to blend in with others and hide their abilities. Gifted individuals commonly feel out-of-sync with their peers and suffer from a poor social self-concept. Others become frustrated at the lack of appropriate educational challenges and develop negative feelings toward school resulting in underachievement.Giftedness: not just a yes or noIt is a very good thing when parents take steps to identify whether their child is gifted. But to respond with appropriate intervention that can maximize potential, parents also need to truly understand the level of their child's abilities and needs. The different levels of developmental delay are commonly recognized and the children at those levels vary dramatically from one another. Likewise, the abilities and needs of a gifted child will be significantly different from those of their average peer and also significantly different from those of a highly gifted child or profoundly gifted child. Unfortunately, the differences among the levels of giftedness are rarely considered or appropriately attended to without a knowlegeable parent advocate.When to testAn individual can be tested at any age. However, the ideal time for testing is between the ages of 6 and 8. Often, parents find it challenging to get schools to test this early. Schools have been known to push to keep the gifted child in the current "socially appropriate" classroom with their peers and to give them "a chance to level out." However, the negative effects associated with unrecognized giftedness, such as underachievement, behavior problems, poor social self-concept, or withdrawal, can start earlier in elementary school and may interfere with proper identification, academic placement, and social development. If you are having difficulty getting your child's school to conduct testing in a timely manner, you may need to secure testing outside the school system. If this testing demonstrates your child's gifted abilities, you may use these results to strengthen your advocate position, promoting intervention that is appropriate and essential to his or her successful education.ResourcesHoagies Gifted Education Page--a wealth of information for parents about giftedness, how to be an advocate, and opportunities for your childI Know My Child is Smart: Why Does She Need Testing?--Linda Kreger Silverman, Ph.D. of the Gifted Development Center in Denver, CO

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Getting Started

Initial Appointment Setting Up An Initial ConsultationIf you would like to arrange a free 30-minute consultation, you may call 727.504.5989 to set up a convenient time. When you call, I will personally speak with you to make an appointment. If I am not immediately available by telephone, I will make every effort to return your call on the same day you make it, with the exception of weekends and holidays. If you are difficult to reach, please include in your message some times when you will be available. If you are unable to reach me and feel that you cannot wait for a return call, contact your family physician, 911, or the nearest emergency room and ask for the mental health specialist on call. The initial consultation serves several purposes. Choosing a therapist can be a daunting task and is a very personal decision. I offer the free consultation to provide you the opportunity to visit the office and gauge your comfort level with me. The therapist-client relationship is a very important part of the counseling process. You should trust your instincts. It is normal to feel hesitant about sharing your private life with someone you don't know, but you should be able to get a sense whether I might be someone with whom you could work. This is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about my approach, the therapy process, policies and fees, etc. Feel free to express any uncertainties or concerns. This consultation is not a therapy session, but is time used to get a general sense of the reasons you are seeking therapy and determine if I am able to offer counseling in the area of your needs. I wouldn't want to delay you in the process of finding help if I do not specialize in that area. There is such a diversity of needs that it is very difficult, if not impossible, for therapists to keep current on the most recent findings regarding effective treatment in every area. You will want a therapist who focuses on and is committed to continuous training in your area of need. I hope I am able to help. However, if not, I will likely be able to provide an appropriate referral. ReferralsThe following are some examples of situations in which I refer. For individuals who are currently battling an addiction, I refer to a specialist in that area. If they are seeking help for reasons other than the addiction, I will work with them while they are concurrently undergoing addiction treatment elsewhere. While I see men in the context of couples counseling and family therapy, I currently do not work with men individually. I also do not provide marital counseling to couples when there is an active, ongoing affair. It is impossible to work on a marriage in this situation. I refer the person engaged in the affair to individual counseling and suspend marriage counseling until the affair has been terminated. Finally, I am not a child psychologist. I treat children and adolescents with eating disorders within a family context. However, I do not offer individual treatment to children younger than age 15.

Fees and Policies Sliding Scale A sliding scale fee schedule may be available for those that would experience financial hardship if they paid the full fee. Household income and the number of individuals dependent on that income determine these fees. Please let me know if you would like to discuss whether you are eligible for a reduced fee. Fees Initial 30-minute consultation ComplimentaryTherapy: In-office sessions $150/therapy hour* Phone sessions (between appts) . $150/hr prorated Out-of-office sessions $150/hr incl. travel timeAssessment: Fees for assessment are determined by the test battery used and the hours needed for testing, interpretation, and report writing. These fees are clarified before proceeding with any assessment.*Please note it is standard for the last ten minutes of the therapy session to be used by the clinician to record clinical impressions, evaluate treatment progress, and formulate treatment plans.Payment All session fees are due at time of service. Cash or checks are accepted. Checks should be made out to: Baylife Christian Counseling. Please have your payment ready to submit at the beginning of our meeting so we do not have to take time out of your therapy session to settle your account.InsuranceAs a fee-for-service provider, I do not accept insurance. However, you may be able to obtain partial reimbursement from your insurance company for counseling services. As a licensed psychologist in the state of Florida, my services are generally covered as an out-of-network provider on many PPO insurance plans. In these cases, you are responsible for payment of my normal fee at the time of service. I will fill out the paperwork your insurance company requires and return it to you so you may submit it to your insurance company to begin the process of reimbursement. Please check with your insurance company to verify reimbursement policies. HMO and POS plans do not cover counseling with a therapist who is not part of their plan of providers, and I am not a participating provider for any of these plans.There are important reasons why I do not accept insurance for my services. Many people who come to see me are not mentally ill and therefore will not have a clinical diagnosis. They are simply struggling with common life issues. Many insurance companies will not cover relational, family or marriage counseling. When insurance is used for therapy, the treatment has to be considered "medically necessary." This means your therapist must give you a psychiatric diagnosis. This type of diagnosis goes on your permanent health record and could have repercussions for you later in life. Once you have begun therapy, your sessions must be "justified." You must be deemed "sick" enough in order for insurance to continue to pay for your sessions.Finally, your confidentiality is at risk when using insurance. Several people receive and review your records and this information is often transmitted through the internet. Your privacy and confidentiality is very important to me. For these reasons I have chosen not to work with insurance companies but instead to keep this a private relationship between my clients and myself. Together, we decide what to focus on in therapy, the treatment approach, how often to attend, and when to terminate not the insurance company.Cancellation and Late Policy You are responsible for attending each appointment you schedule. However, I understand that unexpected things can arise which may prevent individuals from being able to keep a scheduled appointment. I simply ask that you notify me as soon as possible so that another client may have the opportunity to utilize that time slot. Please call, and if I am unavailable, leave a voicemail message. If I do not receive such notice 24 hours in advance, you will be responsible for paying the full fee for the session you missed unless we both agree that you were unable to attend due to circumstances beyond your control. In the event that you arrive late for your appointment, our session will still conclude according to the scheduled appointment in order to respect the time of subsequent clients and you will be billed for the length of the full session that was reserved for you.

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What to expect What to expectPsychotherapy is not easily described. It can vary greatly with the different personalities involved and the treatment approaches and techniques used will be unique to the challenges being faced. What therapy is and isn'tPsychotherapy is not just talking to someone who is supportive. You need to feel you can be open and comfortable, trusting that the therapist is in your corner. But these things, by themselves, are not psychotherapy. You may not always be comfortable. In fact, unless the process is challenging you and stirring up a little discomfort, you may not be achieving anything. There are times when therapy can become very difficult. Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Picture the forging process metal undergoes to be shaped into something beautiful and useful. There is heat and pressure involved to achieve the desired results. A wise Christian therapist will see where you need to be challenged in order to move toward your desired goals. She or he will also challenge you to examine yourself in light of what the Bible has to say about different aspects of your life. God and his Word, given out of his love for us, are always right and true, making him the best "forger." While this process can be hard, the therapist is there to encourage and equip you to move forward. Psychotherapy is not advice. It may involve some education and learning of new skills, but its purpose is not to tell you what you should do in your current situation. Psychotherapy should help you become increasingly aware and insightful regarding the challenges you face, recognize your needs, priorities, and goals, and have the courage, wisdom, and skill to take effective action. Therapy should not only help you manage your current situation, but give you skills that will help you deal with the inevitable challenges that you will face in the future. "Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day; teach him to fish, and you feed him for life." Session frequency and lengthTypically, our first few sessions will involve an evaluation of your needs. However, in times of crisis, my usual format for this evaluation may not be followed so our time might be used to relieve the immediate crisis. Within the first few sessions, I will be able to offer you my impressions of what our work together might involve and we will develop your specific treatment plan together. Regular sessions are helpful, particularly in the early stage of counseling. Typically, sessions are scheduled weekly so that we can create the momentum that is needed to tackle the work ahead. It has been my experience that individuals who start out weekly tend to see sooner and greater results and are, therefore, more likely to stick with therapy until they accomplish their goals. In some cases, meeting more than once a week or longer than the typical 50-minute hour might be needed to get an individual, couple, or family through a particularly difficult period. Your partTherapy is collaborative. You will be instrumental in shaping your therapy experience, from setting goals and collaborating on an individualized treatment plan to providing feedback about what is and isn't working so adjustments can be made. Therapy is not like a visit to the dentist in which he or she fixes the problem. It requires a very active effort from you both inside and outside of sessions. It would be challenging, if not impossible, to enact significant and lasting change relying solely on the few hours a month spent in sessions. Therefore, we will create "homework" tasks you will complete between each of your sessions. These tasks may require such things as reflecting on session content, taking some action toward a goal, or practicing your new skills in your day-to-day life. For more information about how you can greatly influence whether or not you experience success in therapy, read the section titled, "How to get the most out of your counseling sessions."Treatment length and terminationTypically, therapy ends once the agreed upon treatment goals have been met. It can be difficult to estimate the length of treatment. Your commitment and efforts will have a great impact. As we collaborate on a treatment plan, projected time frames for accomplishing various goals will be discussed. Throughout therapy, we will evaluate our progress toward each goal. You are encouraged to share your thoughts about progress at any time. If needed, we will modify the treatment plan. If we are approaching completion of the goals, we will move toward termination. I am committed to helping you achieve your goals in a timely manner. Unfortunately, in rare cases, progress is not made due to non-compliance or other reasons. If, despite modifications, a client is consistently not progressing, I am ethically responsible to conclude treatment.Therapy will require a commitment of your time, effort, and money. However, if you are needing change in your life or your relationships, therapy can help you accomplish your goals and lead to a greater sense of well-being and a more fulfilling life.

Get the most How to get the most out of counselingWhile having a good therapist is important, being an active client is just as important. Your participation, motivation, and commitment will greatly impact not only the effectiveness of your therapy, but the efficiency as well. If you enter into therapy with a commitment to follow these points, you will likely have a very positive therapy experience.Before or at the beginning of therapyIncrease your awareness of your presenting problem. Think about each area in your life and how they have been affected: emotional, physical, mental, educational, occupational, relational, and spiritual.Review your history. Remember when and how the problem first came up, the attempts you've made to solve or cope with it and with what results; how the severity has fluctuated over time; factors or events that you see having contributed to or maintained the problem.Consider what you hope to accomplish. If you had a magic wand that could transform your life to your realistic ideal, what would your life look like? Write down your goals for therapy. Make them SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely.Clarify and strengthen your motivation. Write down the pros and cons for making the effort to change. Challenge the cons and the weight you place on them. Write out the potential consequences of not changing.During your sessionsBe open.What youve been doing probably hasnt been working or you wouldn't be seeking help. If you have a therapist you trust, be open to new ways of thinking, relating, and behaving. You may be asked to do some things that feel awkward or uncomfortable, or you may not fully "get it," but hang in there and give it a try.Be transparent.Be honest and allow the therapist to see your true thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Take the risk to be vulnerable. Give her the full picture, not the edited version. Give feedback.Let the therapist know how you are experiencing the sessions and your therapeutic relationship, what is helpful or unhelpful, where you see and dont see progress, and any concerns that arise. This will help your therapist better meet your needs. Think critically. Dont rely on or wait for the therapist to make all the connections for you. You know yourself better than anyone. Weigh what is being discussed in session. Examine if and how it fits currently and/or in the past. Progress can be made much more quickly if you can help connect the dots. Also, share and examine your discomfort when it arises in session. Your discomfort can be very revealing and useful.Between sessionsPrioritize your therapy and growth.You may have to make some sacrifices in order to devote your resources of time, effort, and money to therapy. Our desires and responsibilities can pull us in a dozen directions and it is easy to become distracted from our goals. You may have to give up some free time, give up some comforts, or miss out on things here and there. Remember the sacrifices are temporary, yet the investment can lead to lasting benefits. Commit to the homework assignments.The test of therapy is how it impacts your life outside of therapy. Homework is designed to facilitate the transfer of in-session insight into out-of-session action. It is surprising how many people are willing to commit to the cost of therapy without committing to the effort necessary to make the financial investment worthwhile. Review your progress.Take note of what changes you see as well as what challenges youve faced since the last session. Be prepared to bring something to put on the agenda for your next session.

Setting up a free initial consultation

Fee, Insurance, and Cancellation Policies

Forms

What to expect

How to get the most out of counseling

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Dr Thomas

Counseling Approach

The Office

Services Provided

Premarital

CONNECTIONS

EATING DISORDER TREATMENT

Carmen Thomas-Comeaux, PhD Licensed Psychologist

9365 US Hwy 19N, Suite A1
Pinellas Park, FL 33782
727.504.5989
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