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Dr. Richard Jordan
San Diego County Psychologist
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Dr. Richard Jordan, Counseling Psychologist
A Spiritual Approach to Personal Transformation and Relationship
Healing.
The following is a discussion by Dr. Jordan on his counseling
approach.
"My approach has evolved over time and continues to evolve. It
reflects the many gifts of wisdom and training from my teachers. I
combine Spiritual and philosophical influences, including Greek
mythology, Eastern philosophy, Sufi influences, and wisdom from
Western Christian traditions. Of course, the traditional tools of
psychology are important. The approaches I typically employ include
cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, Jungian, Gestalt and other
humanistic approaches, and transpersonal approaches.
There is no single counseling approach that works for all situations.
It is important to "meet people where they are" and honor each
person's place along the path. I often rely upon my intuition to guide
me as to which tool, intervention, or approach to employ in the
moment.
You might consider that there are three basic levels of the work. If
someone is in crisis and perhaps considering suicide, a very direct
approach is called for, mustering whatever resources are required to
keep them safe, and giving specific instructions about what to do.
Then some people are in need of a less direct, more supportive
coaching approach, in which problem solving and cognitive/behavioral
change is the focus. Finally, there are those who use the counseling
experience as a path of soul evolution. This work requires an even
less direct, more inviting approach. At this level of the work, it is
much more honoring to invite out someone's inner wisdom than to
presume that I have their answers. My role here is as a guide, a
partner in wondering.
The process begins with awareness - noticing and wondering. Once you
become aware of what is, the next phase is to focus upon how you are
with it. That is, am I resisting or judging; am I attached to a
certain outcome? One of my teachers says, "It's not the issue that's
the issue, it's how you are with the issue that's the issue." When it
comes to healing and evolution of the psyche and soul, acceptance and
non-judgment move us forward. Judgment keeps us stuck.
Another important element often has to do with intention or vision.
You may spend lots of energy trying to change things you don't like,
trying to move away from ways of being that aren't working, but the
secret to getting what you really want is to have a clear vision of
what that is, and move toward it.
Once you achieve clear awareness and clear vision, you also become
clear as to any inner or outer actions that may be needed. An example
of inner action is the act of self-forgiveness.
In working with you, I offer invitations, suggestions, encouragement,
and celebration. The big questions in life do not seem to get "figured
out" by our minds. The big questions are there for us to live in
wonder of, in each moment. Much of real success in life depends on how
well we answer the following big question:
What's the most loving, compassionate way I can be in this moment,
both with myself and with whomever I am relating?"
To arrange for counseling, workshops, or speaking engagements, you may
contact Dr. Jordan at:
drjordan@cox.net
| (619) 303-5062
Counseling Office Location: 5100 Marlborough Drive, San Diego, California
92116
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