I was recently asked to explain what Secular therapy is and why it's a thing. Secular Therapy simply means that it's mental health counseling that is evidenced-based. We use interventions that have research that proves them to be effective in moving people from depressed / anxious to content and confident.
I identify as Secular because it is important to me that my clients make progress in overcoming what is holding them back from experiencing their best life and potential. I use therapies that are shown to be effective through research and my years of experience. I owe clients the best treatments available and I am not a religious leader or expert - my expertise is in psychotherapy.
I've had people tell me that their former therapist recommended that they pray and they were frustrated because they had explicitly told the therapists they were not religious. For those who are religious, they are already praying and seeking support from their spiritual leaders and community and therapy is to address other areas. Of course people may refer to their religious beliefs or utilize them as positive resources, but my job is to add to your existing tools with proven therapy-based interventions and skills.
It's important to me that you overcome your negative thoughts and beliefs that are keeping you stuck, depressed, anxious or procrastinating. I want you to achieve your goals in life and relationships.
My job is to use psychotherapy; that is what I am trained and experienced in doing.
At RCT Counseling we welcome people of all faiths and non-faiths and respect your beliefs and choices - and we think this is not only respectful of you, but required of us. It is not our job to tell you what to think or believe. It is our job to assist you in becoming your best Self, as defined by you, and guided by our skills.
When looking for evidence-based therapy, ask your therapist if they are proficient in the following; EMDR, Ego-State Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. You can look into EMDR on the EMDR Institute website at EMDR.com. Check out Getting Past Your Past by Francine Shapiro, PhD. And call us anytime to ask about these therapies or set up a free consultation.
Have a great day!
Regina Tippets