Clifford Porter

I have 18 years of experience in behavioral health and addiction. Specialties include substance addiction, depression, anxiety, couples related issues, and sleep disorders. I began working in the field of substance abuse in 1990, obtained a master's degree in counseling working out and inpatient treatment, behavioral health, hospital environment, where I was consulted by medical staff to see patients suffering from both psychiatric and substance abuse related disorders as well as behavioral health disorders. I also worked with Pain Management staff to address and assess if patients were legitimate experiencing pain or simply drug seeking. I have been a professor of counseling related courses at a local college to train and prepare students for a future in the field.

During my many years in the Air Force, I was integrally involved in working with culturally diverse people from various backgrounds. I have worked with and continue to teach in the area of multicultural counseling. I …pride myself in being able to cross cultural boundaries in order to assist individual with working through presenting issues. I am sensitive and able to assess, provide on-point and Indepth services to clients who presents with a multitude of issues.

Therapy is a collaborative work that considers the life experiences, patterns, relationships, and beliefs that have shaped and currently influence your ways of being in the world. I am committed to identifying and exploring challenges that currently bring you to therapy and the innate strengths and resources that will allow you to make the changes you desire. I am committed to provide a safe and accepting therapeutic environment that facilitates growth, insight, and change. I am trained within a variety of treatment models and will work with you to determine the approach that best fits your needs.

At our initial meeting, we will assess your current needs and concerns to collaboratively decide if we can work together. We will evaluate the results of our work together periodically to determine the need for additional sessions, termination, or an outside referral for further assistance.

Ultimately, you must decide to use what you gain from the therapeutic process and incorporate it into your daily life. I may challenge some assumptions or perceptions as well as proposed difference ways to view, think or manage situations you present during your session. During the course of therapy, I will use therapeutic approaches based on the problems you present, your choices and feedback as well as my assessment of what may benefit you.

If I initiate terminating therapy with you, it will be because I feel that I am not able to be helpful or a higher level of care is needed. Ending therapy well is important. If you feel ready to terminate counseling, please inform me so that we can have 1-2 wrap-up sessions to discuss recommendations to maintain your progress. If you feel ready to proceed let's began your journal to a rewarding and life changing experience.