TJ Weeks

About Me

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a good study of people. Whether it’s something about a person’s demeanor, tension between two parties, or just the general ‘vibe’ of the room; I’ve long had a knack for picking up on what’s not being said. Some people call this intuition; others street smarts. I’ve come to think of it as empathy. All too often people (including many counseling professionals) mistake sympathy for empathy. In my experience, most people seek counseling because some part of them would like to change a particular aspect of their lives (be it a behavior/habit or their perspective/mood). While I feel for my clients when they’re going through a difficult time, what’s more important is my ability to elicit and clarify underlying obstacles to, as well as motivations for change. That’s where my empathy/intuition/whatever you want to call it helps me to help others.

I have experience treating a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, co-dependency, process addictions (i.e. compulsive gambling, sex addiction, etc.), relationship difficulties, etc. I employ an integrative approach drawing upon elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, Choice theory, family systems, motivational interviewing, and person-centered techniques when working with clients. What you can expect as a client is a non-judgmental environment in which one can explore the impact of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors on their mental wellness and personal efficacy. I strive to validate the experiences of those with whom I work and always honor clients’ autonomy. Additionally, I’m not afraid to give my clients a ‘therapeutic nudge’ when it seems they’re stuck in a pattern of self-defeat. If you’re looking for the kind of counselor that quietly nods their head while offering empty affirmations- I’m probably not the helping professional for you!