Ron Dollar, MA, LMHC, CAP Psychotherapist

Professionally: I have many years of mental health counseling experience in both in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric facilities. I also have extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment. I have worked with individuals who came of their own volition and those mandated by drug court or the department of corrections. I have been a clinical supervisor for an adolescent residential program. I have been a director of a large men's residential therapeutic community. I have been a director of intensive outpatient services at a private psychiatric/ mental health facility. I have been a clinical supervisor of several large outpatient clinics, teaching and training counselors of every competency level from beginner to expert.

Therapeutic Style : It is difficult to describe all that I do as a counselor because every case is unique. I enjoy being in the moment, connected to my clients. In order to have a connection with others I try to create a space where they feel there is nothing worth hiding. I guide at times but mostly I listen. I listen with all my senses. Open to all the messages that are being sent by my clients I am able to steer the process toward insight and awareness. When an individual is aware he or she has the capacity to see what has become of them, and to see how to be free of what has come over them. Often this is a gentle process or gradual progress, other times it is swift, anxious and/or exhausting. No matter, I am always there supporting, encouraging, and guiding.

I know I haven't heard it all, but, I have worked with many abused and victimized individuals. I have also confronted and treated abusers and offenders who are usually past victims themselves. I have listened to all manner of non-truth, and denial. I can help most anyone, weed through the fabric of self deception that clouds their ability to see the real truth in this unfolding existence.

My training is broad based. My theory base is Client Centered, and Gestalt Psychotherapy. I utilize a Cognitive Behavioral mind set as I help the client have Mindful observance of the thoughts that lead to patterns and tendencies. I help people notice: their patterns of feeling and belief; their mental tendencies toward this and away from that; the unconscious intentions that have created their life up to now; and easy it is to create a life with conscious intention when we our unconscious intentions are no longer unconscious.

Unconditional regard as the central tenet in my theory base, has lead me to know the power of love. It truly does heal all wounds. This unconditional regard that my theory base sees as central to the therapist client relationship is also central to all relationships - including our relationship to ourselves.

My goal as a therapist, is to help the client develop their own treatment plan and follow it, surely, but my overriding goal is to help people to have unconditional self regard. When one lives life from a place of compassionate, unconditional self confidence, with unconditional acceptance of this moment and of all that is contained in this moment, one is able to experience life fully.

As a relationship counselor and as a clinical supervisor I help people to have authentic and meaningful relationships with others. Through acceptance, compassion, generosity, kindness, and unconditional self confidence we become better people, better friends, better counselors and better partners. We become happier, wiser, and better able to love. We love in a way that is open and free, in a way that is pure, and magnanimous. We become the host to the world as we entertain our lives.

Through various techniques I help create this space in the minds of my clients so that they can see the benefits, and show the benefits of a mindful practice. Unselfish mutual sharing can take place in all relationships, with ourselves and with others, when the proper mind set is practiced and freedom of mind is attained.