John Lilburn

My communication style

I am direct, honest, and unafraid of difficult conversations. I teach communication strategies, skills, and the connection between how we communicate and how we feel. Communication is the basis for all relationships and is intimately connected to mental health and well-being. I use Non-Violent Communication and Gottman approaches.

My journey to mental healthcare

I started in mental health as an entry-level worker, well before my graduate training. Remembering my journey reminds me that growth is a winding road: sometimes, change takes years. I've worked in child abuse/neglect, foster care/adoption, parenting plans, inpatient psychiatric, and outpatient therapy, with kids, adults, families, and couples.

My goals for you

I help my patients be intimately and fundamentally in charge of their treatment goals. I am not a mechanic, and I don't "fix" patients. If a patient is having trouble setting goals, then goal exploration becomes the priority. Using Motivational Interviewing, I help patients discover and explore their own needs, wants, and autonomy.

Our first session

We will begin getting to know each other and exploring your interest in therapy. We'll examine whether we are a good match, both clinically and personally. Some people enter into first sessions slowly, hesitantly. Other people jump right in. The aim is to make a good start while maintaining an appropriate pace that feels good to you.

I identify as...

• Male
• Caucasian or White
• Agnostic