Gerald Butler

My communication style

I listen and ask open-ended questions that allow you to tell as much of your story as you're ready to tell. I'll let you know what I'm hearing and feeling from your sharing, then listen carefully to your response. I'm open to hearing when I may not be correctly understanding you, as my goal is to attain a deeper sense of your world.

My journey to mental healthcare

From an early age, I wondered about how different people can have very different views of the world. My first career was teaching, where I found my greatest sense of reward came from meeting with students one-on-one, where our discussions sometimes covered personal struggles. Realizing this, I changed careers to mental health counseling.

My goals for you

My experience is that client goals evolve as we continue to work together. I regularly collaborate with you to re-examine what you want from and what's important to you in our work. If I sense that we are in some way stuck, I'll check with you to see if that's also your experience and then work with you to create direction and vitality.

Our first session

After checking for immediate needs, my goal is to get to know you holistically by asking about childhood, significant events, and your current life. However, how much you share is up to you. There is time to learn more as you're ready. My goal is to know you better and foster an accepting environment.

I identify as...

• Male
• Caucasian or White
• Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Interfaith, Muslim, Non-denominational, Spiritual, Unitarian Universalism