Counseling Associates of Sarasota, LLC provides psychotherapy services such as assessment, individual counseling, couple counseling, or group counseling, and referral to other services. These services are voluntary you are free to limit or end services at any time. Psychotherapy calls for an active effort on your part both in session and at home. Therapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems and to significant reduction in distress. "Finding the right therapist is important for good counseling outcomes. This is especially important when it comes to marriage counseling, as there are very few evidence-based methods available. The Gottman Method for Couples Therapy has 40+ years clinical backing to prove that this method produces beneficial results when applied by trained clinicians. Marilyn Halls has completed the rigorous training in the Gottman Method, and is competent in this method of counseling. When I need to refer a client for couple’s therapy, Marilyn is on my short list of competent counselors." Karen Hildreth, LMHC
Owner, Sarasota Grief Counseling
Personal Philosophy
In a collaborative, safe and confidential environment, I believe emotional wounds may be healed and great progress made towards living a more rewarding life. I use an approach that is individually suited to each client including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Rational Emotional Behavior Therapy, Narrative Therapy, person centered approaches and psychodynamic insights. I also incorporate wellness aspects including relaxation, improving sleep habits, nutrition, substance use and Mindfulness. The quality of the therapeutic relationship is of primary importance and is the strongest indicator of positive change. For this reason, and to see how we may best work together I offer a thirty-minute, complementary session either at my office on Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota or by phone 941 306 1235. I help individuals and couples deal with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and PTSD. I also assist people who are dealing with a major life change or transition such as retirement, empty nest, grief and loss, job loss, acculturation, separation or divorce. I enjoy working with the young, college aged population addressing issues such as loneliness, feeling overwhelmed with schoolwork, dating and abusive relationships. I work with all ages, genders, cultures and life styles, considering myself a multi culturally informed therapist with a curiosity to learn more about each person’s unique history. In working with couples, I use the highly successful theories of researchers Drs. I can help couples to improve their relationship, but also assist if separation or divorce is their chosen path. It takes courage to take that first step to seek help but think in these terms – sometimes when things are falling apart they may in fact be falling into place. Counseling Expectations
Our sessions last an hour. You will find that I am on time for appointments. I require 24 hours’ notice by phone or text should you need to cancel an appointment, otherwise you will be charged for the appointment. Chronically late and missed appointments indicate a lack of commitment to our work together and are, therefore, just cause for cancelling our counseling relationship. Confidentiality
Confidentiality is the bedrock of the counseling relationship. It allows individuals to share information, events and secrets, possibly for the first time. There are many reasons why people have aspects of their lives that they are generally unable to share with others. These include fear of being judged felling embarrassment, feeling ashamed or misunderstood. Also serving: North Sarasota, FL; Sarasota Springs, FL; Siesta Key, FL; Fruitville, FL; Vamo, FL; Gulf Gate Estates, FL; Bee Ridge, FL; Southgate, FL; Kensington Park, FL; The Meadows, FL; Osprey, FL; Bayshore Gardens, FL; Longboat Key, FL; Whitfield, FL; Bradenton, FL; Palmetto, FL; Laurel, FL; Osprey, FL; Venice, FL; North Port, FL; Anna Maria, FL; Holmes Beach, FL; Bradenton Beach, FL; Southgate, FL; South Sarasota, FL; South Gate Ridge, FL; Gulf Gate Estates, FL; Bird Key, FL.
