Change is Good, LLC
We specialize in mindfulness counseling for individuals and families. The central tenet to our Intention Therapy® is that our life is our creation. We can create it consciously so that we are mostly aware of our intentions and happy with our creations. Or we can create it unconsciously so that we are impaired in our ability to be happy with our creation because we are unaware of the fact that we created it unconsciously. There is no intention for it to be all things to all people. It is intended for individuals who are in a position to freely make choices that effect their life.
Intention Therapy® is similar in theory to cognitive/behavioral and Gestalt approaches with a focus on awareness on the ego intention that fuels thought. The idea is that ego intention (i.e.: desire for comfort) brings into being and intentional thought construct (i.e.: "I am tired") which brings into being an intentional feeling construct (i.e.: lethargy) which brings into being an intentional action construct (i.e.: sitting in front of the TV and eating comfort food) resulting in an intentional self-aspect construct (i.e.: "I find myself sitting in front of the TV and getting fat, even though I have the intention to exercise I never get around to it, I am not happy with myself, but I can't give up my TV"). Each of the constructs has a tendency toward habituation if ego needs are met. Unknowingly we can create a feeling construct that looks like "depression" if we are habituated to the above example. And, there is now an aspect of self that is holding onto lethargy as comfort.
We help the individual to realize that these are all created and are in fact momentary. At any given moment a different aspect of self will appear depending on ego intention. An aspect of self can also be brought into being, triggered, by a thought, feeling, or behavior similar to a past construct. That we have this ability to be and act on a very automatic intentional basis is wonderful. That it becomes the basis to how we see ourselves is not. The more we look the more we can see who we are not. The more we see who we are not, the better we can know who we are. "Who am I?" is an important question. But, we are not going to find it by seeking to define ourselves. This is always folly, as we can only describe what we temporarily are, were, or will be. The way that we can know who we are is to clearly see who we are not. In this moment we can see our way beyond temporary constructs to an authentic and pure self reality that incorporates and accepts all or our intentional constructs and lives with a greater more enduring freedom.
Staff
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Ron Dollar, MA, LMHC |
Professionally: I have many years of mental health counseling experience in both in inpatient and outpatient mental health / 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 how easy it is to create a life with conscious intention when 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.
Other Counselors under Ron's supervision at Change is Good
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Karyn Primeau, MA, CAP |
Karyn began her counseling career in 2005. She has worked as a prevention specialist providing Drug/Violence prevention skills and education to students, ages 5 to 10 years old in the Pinellas County Schools. She began as a counselor at a dual diagnosis treatment program in 2007 and due to her teaching ability and superior counseling skills was promoted to Clinical Supervisor of the program. She has been working with Change is Good since the beginning of 2010. She has been in clinical supervision with Ron Dollar since 2008. She is especially skilled in substance abuse / dual diagnosis counseling.
Before becoming a Mental Health Counselor Karyn was a successful entrepreneur. She has owed a Curves Women’s Workout franchise and owned and run several restaurants. She knows what it takes to be successful and takes on all challenges with dedication and vigor.