ABOUT
MEET DAPHNE
DAPHNE DEMARIS MA, LPCC
I love ‘seeing the light come on in people’s eyes’ as healing takes place. Sometimes after a client gets a breakthrough, I jump up and down; that is how excited I get.
I felt called to counseling as a teen (being the friend that everyone told their problems to), but it wasn’t until later that I answered that call. It was in an unexpected way. I thought I’d get the most marketable degree, a Master’s in Social Work; but, no, God had other plans. That plan led me to attend and graduate from Ashland Theological Seminary with a Master’s in Clinical Pastoral Counseling in 1998.
Through my own life, I have dealt with mental illness as a result of trauma, family of origin issues and medical ailments. I know what it is like to not want to get out of bed in the morning, to have panic attacks, to feel sick all the time. My journey of healing has led me to want to help others find true health, not to just manage symptoms. To that end, I am not only a counselor, but also am in process toward becoming a Certified Integrative Medicine Provider for Mental Health.
The Approach
My practice is made up of the Four ‘C’s’:
CHRIST FOCUSED
All truth and healing comes from Jesus. Increasing your intimacy with God will help all the other aspects of healing. If there is a barrier between you and God, that impedes the healing process.
CLINICAL
We will look at symptoms and impairments, how it has been feeling to be you in your day-to-day life. We will look at patterns of behavior and thought, how you treat your body with habits and lifestyle. We may set goals - one small step at a time - in various areas to help you find greater physical health that will help your mental health increase. We will work on Cognitions and coping skills and bring all things into alignment with the perfect will of God in Christ Jesus.
COMEDY CLUB
Because, let’s face it, sometimes you just have to laugh. The word says “a merry heart does good like a medicine” (PR 17:22), and it just feels good to laugh.
CAT
Yup, the fourth C is my cat, Abby, who often jumps on my lap in session. You will see her sweet face onscreen sometimes. She is a super cutie!
About Our Work Together
-
Get Ready
First, after you contact me, we will schedule a brief, free, phone consultation. I always like to spend about 15-20 minutes with a prospective client to learn what you want to work on, what goals you might have, if you’ve ever had therapy before, if you’re taking any medications. I will also answer questions you might have. We both need to feel comfortable moving forward.
I know how hard it can be to reach out for help, because I have been there myself. I have and continue to pursue all the healing that God has for me. And I want a good journey mate to help me along the journey, as I am sure you do, too. Because I am not perfect, you can expect that I will do my best to help you feel comfortable as we begin. But we both know that could take a little time.
-
Get Set
Once we decide to move forward together, I will send you a link to my online client portal where you will complete the intake paperwork. Once I receive notification that everything is completed, I will reach back out to you to schedule your first appointment.
The first session is for gathering history. I will lead you through a series of questions designed to help me really understand what you’ve been dealing with. I want to know how you are feeling about your situation. And, even though we’ll just be getting started, it’s important to think about what “better” will look and feel like.
We’ll also be getting to know each other. Therapy only works when there is a good alliance. You need to feel comfortable with me, and I need to feel comfortable with you.
-
GO!
People often report that they feel a little bit better after the first session. It feels good to unload some of the tension you’ve been carrying around inside.
To be honest, though, you might experience overwhelming emotions as you move through the process. This is normal! You might be allowing certain feelings to come to the surface for the very first time. Give yourself permission to let them come. Don’t carry those loaded emotions around anymore! Let them go!
The more you draw near to God and do the work of becoming healthier in all areas of your life, the better you will feel: emotionally, physically and spiritually. It does take work, but isn’t your life worth it? Don’t you want MORE life in your life? If so, click here to contact me.