James C Shakespeare, Counselor in Austin, 78746

James C Shakespeare

Profession(s):
Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
LPC

My Approach to Helping

My fundamental belief is that all experiences we perceive as problems or obstacles are actually opportunities for growth and development. Within this context, I offer a warm and supportive container for clients to explore their current behaviors, clarify their values, and align behaviors and values in order to move toward real, measurable, achievable goals. I work in a non-directive manner integrating motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and acceptance and commitment therapy.

More Info About My Practice

I do not accept insurance because I fundamentally disagree with the necessity of diagnosing a "disorder" in order for someone to get help with some area of their life. I also recognize that for many people, insurance is the only way they can afford therapy. I can supply receipts which will allow clients to file out-of-network with their insurance.

How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist

I was drawn to work with teens and young adults because of the struggles I had in my own life during those years. My father and I were constantly at war, my mother felt powerless to help either one of us, and a pervasive sense of apathy regarding my future led to many years of rather aimless wandering, bad habits, and a self-destructive pursuit of pleasure. I have often wished that someone would have noticed my strengths and my positive qualities so that I might have believed in myself a little more and been able to make better, more productive choices. This gives me tremendous empathy, not only for teens and young adults, but for their parents who are trying desperately to guide and influence their children\'s lives without destroying relationships in the process. I see my therapeutic mission as helping families to weather stormy transitions and emerge on the other side with love, care, and support for one another.

My View on the Nature of 'Disorders'

I believe that all behaviors, whether productive or destructive, arise out of real human needs, and that people always make the best decision they can make at their present level of consciousness. When these adaptive behaviors become habitual or addictive, they tend to eliminate other responses to the original needs, and this is where they become problematic. I do not believe that these problematic behaviors are the result of flaws, whether mental or moral, nor do I believe that there is something \"wrong\" with most people seeking therapy. Good therapy has to do with helping clients sort through their thoughts, emotions, and actions to find the original unfulfilled need, and then to find more productive ways of meeting those needs.

The Duration and Frequency of Therapy

Clear client goals help to determine the length of therapy. My average client attends six to eight weekly sessions, with many continuing therapy on a bi-weekly or monthly basis as needed. However, I also have clients who make weekly therapy a part of their ongoing growth and development. The client determines when therapy is complete.