Therapist Profile

My Approach to Helping

How many of us wake up each morning with a sense of purpose, zest for life, hope for the future, a calm center, satisfaction with self and relationships, and the sense that we are contributing to life in meaningful ways? Some dismiss this vision as wishful thinking, or an impossible dream. Others claim it as their birthright, and use therapy as a means of fulfilling it.

I am Lysle Betts, LPC, private practice psychotherapist since 1995, and it would be a privilege to assist you in meeting life's challenges & in deepening your satisfaction with self, life, and relationship. Though the issues that have you consider counseling may be painful or problematic, I approach therapy from a growth and wellness perspective. The Chinese symbol for "crisis" is also the symbol for "opportunity". Our problems contain disguised opportunities for transformation. I believe that you are the world's best expert on you, and that my role would be to assist you in deepening and developing your self expertise. This is called a "client centered orientation".

Specific techniques I might use are always held within this client centered context, with the the quality of the relationship as the foundation of the work. As the poet Rumi put it, "When someone asks what there is to do, light the candle in their hand." For more information you can view my practice website at www.lyslebetts.com, or leave me a message at 919-401-6111 to arrange a time to speak on the phone or in person.

My theoretical orientation has been particularly influenced by the work of Carl Jung (archetypal psychology), Carl Rogers (person centered psychotherapy), Victor Frankl (existential psychotherapy), as well as the the principles of psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Whatever the particular area of concern you might bring to therapy, I would encourage you to explore that particular issue in relation your overall life and self. The benefit of this wholistic approach is similar to a mobile hanging over a baby's crib - when one part is moved or impacted, the whole structure shifts. While making progress working on one area of your life, you may well find that other aspects spontaneously improve as well.

There is research to support the idea that positive therapy outcomes have as much or more to do with the match between the therapist and client as they have to do with methods or types of therapy -and that positive outcomes also correlate with the therapist possessing certain personal qualities like authenticity, openness, transparency, and unconditional positive regard for the client. If you are considering therapy, it would be my pleasure to meet with you so you can evaluate whether I might be a good fit for your needs.

More Info About My Practice

My fee is $100 per 55 minute session, and $50 per 25 minute session. I offer a sliding scale for clients who are uninsured or under-insured. I am happy to file your insurance for you. I am not "in network" on any insurance or HMO panels, but I do file and receive direct reimbursement for insurance that is not network limited, or that has "out of network" benefits. If you have limited insurance that does not cover me, your are free to inquire about using my sliding scale.