Align Counseling Services
Rita Weatherholt MS,LPC,NCC
1.
Individual Counseling
My approach to working with clients is person-centered, meaning I work to see the client for who they are, in all their
strengths and challenges. I hold a strong belief that each individual possesses an inherent understanding of their
own situation, their own strengths, and therefore, their own best solution to whatever life presents. The work, then, is
often about “shining a light” on each individual’s inherent wisdom. My experience has been that, with the right
explorative questions on my part, clients are able to find new, and life-changing insights, as well as tools to
implement those changes.
Some of the areas that may be covered in individual counseling include anxiety and depression, unresolved trauma,
family of origin work, life transitions, sexuality, and issues involving relationships—be they romantic, work, or family.
2.
Relationship Counseling
Relationships are both the heart, and at the heart of life. Bringing together perspectives and life experiences of two
or more people requires compassion, thought, and frankly, work.
In supporting couples and polyamorous relationships, Gottman-informed work is foundational in my practice.
Additionally, I integrate other approaches such as Imago techniques, as well as modalities used for individuals
(because relationships are comprised of individuals!)
Some areas that are likely to be covered within relationship work include communication, boundaries and
expectations, sexuality, sexual identity and sexual addiction, pre-marital planning, and, when necessary and the best
solution for all parties, separation and divorce.
3.
Family
Counseling
Regardless of resources, life circumstances, history, stages of life, or other variables, families are ultimately defined
by the family unit itself. Each member has acquired or assumed a role, but at times, those roles become outdated,
no longer relevant, or in some cases, maladaptive, no longer serving the individual or the family unit.
This is often the case as children grow into adolescents. For this reason, it is not uncommon for the initial “identified
patient" to be an adolescent in a family system, but with exploration, there can be a recognition that the family itself is
evolving, and has a need to do so in an adaptive way that honors family boundaries as well as individual growth.
Similarly, as the relationship between the heads of household in a family changes due to age, illness, or simply life
evolution, impacts ripple throughout the family unit.
In family counseling, participants are each given a seat at the table and the right to their own voice. I foster a safe
space for this to happen. Working through a family systems model, our mutual goal becomes one of advancing the
health of the family and of each individual therein.
4.
Sex
Counseling
Sex and sexuality has traditionally been a challenging subject for many. Yet, as society evolves in its understanding
of sexuality, gender identity, and non-gender and non-monogamous-conforming paradigms, space must be given for
individual and relational exploration. Using the same open mindset and individual and relational modalities
previously described, I create a safe space for clients to explore personal issues and opportunities in living
authentically in this most important area of life. Safety in discussing sex and sexuality is more important now than
ever, given our current social tensions around these areas.
While healthy sexuality in all its forms merits exploration and support, sexual addiction can be destructive to both the
addict and to those touched by the addict’s life. Sexual addiction can hurt or destroy relationships, isolate the addict,
and, in worst-case scenarios, lead to criminal sexual offending.
I have worked with many sex addicts who have found a path to healing and healthy sexuality. Moreover, I have
worked with hundreds of convicted sex offenders who have worked through the life issues and risk factors that led to
their offense, ultimately finding a healthy new way of life. I have a deep understanding of the challenges of sex
addiction, potential sexual offending, and the path to recovery, utilizing proven methods, and supported by a variety
of assessments if desired and necessary.
If you are struggling with issues of sexuality, and want to ensure you or your loved ones are addressing sexuality in a
healthy manner, please contact me for a consultation.
My Approach
My approach to counseling is person-centered—I meet each person where they are. In my practice, no issue is too
trivial, nor too difficult, to discuss openly and with non-judgment. Using this Rogerian humanistic approach as my
foundation, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Family-Systems, and Trauma-Informed ideas—to name a few--into my work with individual clients.
My first goal is to understand what the client has identified as their current concerns. After an initial assessment
where I gather background information and focus in on clients stated goals, I present what I believe I've heard and
invite clients to alter goals to best suit their needs. From there, I spend time getting to know the client through a
holistic series of questions, allowing me insight into what may have contributed to the presenting issue. This allows
both the client and myself to explore concerns with fresh eyes and an open mind. I provide services via telehealth (telephonic, as well as video), and in-person. Regardless of the setting, I strive to provide a warm, comfortable, and non-judgmental environment. My clients tell me they find comfort, support, and non-judgment when working with me. My style tends to be informal, incorporating empathy, humor, and the types of questions that allow clients to explore and find their own way.
About Me
My professional life has always centered around information, service, and empowerment. After working in media for
several years, I moved into the world of non-profit management, with a focus on systems to support those in need. Following the path of service, I became a yoga instructor, and found that supporting others in an individual or small group setting was rewarding, both to myself and my clients. This led to re-inventing myself by obtaining my counseling credentials--a dream I'd had as a young person. I first worked for an agency providing in-home care to a variety of clients in Tucson and Benson, before being tapped to serve post-conviction sex offenders in a program the agency had just acquired. In 2019, as that agency resigned the contract, I formed Align Counseling Services of Southern Arizona, dividing time between the program for people with felonies and private clients of all walks of life. I find gratitude for each client who has allowed me to share, and work with them in their journey of growth and healing.