“How many counselors does it take to change a light bulb?  Only one, but the light bulb really has to want to change.”  

Forgive us for the corny joke, but we state it because there is a great deal of truth in it.  When it comes to any true transformation (whether it be addiction, marriage, anxiety, eating disorder, etc.), the greatest indicator of success is the true level of a person’s desire to change.  Many come to counseling skeptical of the idea that people can really change. We have heard phrases like “once a cheater always a cheater”, “can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, “we’ve tried that and we are still the same”.  The hurts and wounds of life can cause you to become cynical of the idea that great change can actually take place.

The fact is that people do change.  We get to see it every week.  Sometimes they change incrementally over a long period of time and sometimes exponentially over a short period of time.  It is clear when someone sitting in front of us is truly invested in the counseling process.  Those who do the work both in session and outside of session are able to clearly see the powerful effect that their desire for growth and change can have.  

Change obviously takes more than just desire.  It takes direction, tools, community and accountability. However, desire is the key component.  Desire leads to openness and perseverance.  Openness and perseverance lead to hope.  There is hope for change in your life.  Please feel free to contact us anytime at www.olivercounseling.com to pursue the changes that you desire to make in your life.