John Hutchison
My approach to therapy is person-centered, thoughtful, and exploratory. I draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness-based techniques. I tailor my work to each individual, recognizing that everyone’s experiences and needs are different. I take a holistic view of mental health. This means we will look not only at your thoughts and emotions, but also at your environment, relationships, and daily routines. I believe these areas all play an important role in how we feel and function.
The environments we find ourselves in, how we spend our time, and our past and current relationships, all have at least as much impact on how we feel as default brain chemistry for most people.
I believe that healing emotional and mental health is not just about just one thing. Sometimes it's about working to heal important relationships. Sometimes it's about understanding the brain chemistry behind moods changes or repetitive thoughts. It might be about examining one's relationship to food or to mind-altering substances -or the internet. Most often it's about some combination of these, and other things. Similarly, I don't think that a therapy session should always take the same form. Sometimes a person just needs to talk and be listened to. But other times they need a more directive approach. They might need to explore some new ways to relax, or to learn skills to be able to observe their thoughts without falling into familiar patterns of self-defeat. We'll work to figure out what make the most sense for you at this time. Always, my goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, understood, and supported as we work together toward meaningful change.
First session
In our first session, we will begin by getting to know each other and exploring what brings you to therapy. I take a holistic approach, so we will talk about what’s happening in your life, as well as what you’ve been feeling and thinking. We will spend some time discussing your background, current stressors, and what you would like to get out of therapy. Together, we will begin to identify goals and talk about what the process might look like moving forward. This is also a chance for you to ask questions and get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit. I aim to create a space where you feel safe to share at your own pace, without pressure or judgment.
Strengths
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to approach each person with empathy, openness, and respect. I work to understand your unique perspective rather than making assumptions, and I strive to create a space where you feel accepted as you are. I bring curiosity and flexibility into my work, which allows me to adapt therapy to meet your specific needs. I also have experience working with individuals facing more complex mental health challenges, including severe mental health concerns and addiction. My background includes working with children, teens, and adults, which gives me a broad understanding of different life stages and experiences. No matter where you are in your journey, my goal is to support you in building insight, developing helpful tools, and moving toward a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Ideal clients
I don't really have an ideal client in terms of life situation or identity. I think as long as you are open to having an honest interaction about where you are at and what struggles you are having, I'm open to meeting you where you are at working with you. Ideally, you are ready to jump in and start doing work, but if there is some hesitation about getting started, we can start by working with that.
Origin story
Long ago, during a break from college, I got a job working at a home run by an organization called the Association for Retarded Children. On my first shift, I helped clean wheel chairs for kids who would need them the next day. It struck me then that- unlike the work in other jobs I had held- what I was doing would directly benefit an individual who could not do this task for themselves. Since that time I have largely been involved in jobs where I have had the privilage to be able to help others. Over the years this role has taken many forms. In previous years I have helped individuals living at homeless shelters or struggling with other kinds of poverty. These days I get the gratification of helping other by being a therapist.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
As it makes sense in your situation, we will practice becoming aware of the thoughts and inner voices that influence how you feel and act on daily basis.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
As it make sense, we can practice observing thoughts and letting of the need to act on or engage with the thoughts. This can go a long way in helping you feel that you are actively making choices about what you do.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT provides lots of methods for helping us separate from our thoughts and feelings and fell less entangled in them.
Location
Virtual sessions