Michael D. Wilhoit Counseling

Depending on the age, my work with adolescents ranges from developmentally appropriate role playing, modeling, art therapy, and client centered talk therapy.  Engagement of the family in the process is essential, including family sessions or couples counseling.

In my work with adults I use a relationship centered approach, with a focus on object relations which means that the client can experience life transformation as a healthy, relational connection is established in the counseling office. This connection can lead to an empowering counseling environment where one’s past, present, and future can be explored together as I believe that past relational experiences and attachments significantly determine and often dictate current relational/ emotional health and growth. The goal of the relationship centered approach is for the client to gain confidence, emotional health, and to live this life transformation with family and friends outside the counseling office.

In my work with couples, I set down general guidelines for healthy interaction, establish understanding around the role of myself as a counselor with them, and then address presenting issues through listening and questioning.  Beginning with setting goals, couples have the eventual opportunity to speak and listen as each hears the hope of the other in the context of their relationship, their careers, their sexuality, their children, etc.  Some aspects of role playing , narrative therapy, and understanding family systems may be used.