Licensed Professional Counselor in North Carolina
Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia
Training
M.A. in Counseling, South Carolina State University - 1994
Counseling Experience:
Disability and illness adjustment. Depression, Anxiety and other Mental Health Disorders, Life transitions, Addictive behaviors: alcohol and drug abuse; gambling; compulsive spending
Stress and anxiety management utilizing relaxation techniques,
Men’s issues, Issues related to the Military, trauma stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, Grief and Loss, and Relationships.
Counseling Work Settings where I Obtained Experience:
Private Practice/Outpatient Counseling
Community Mental Health
Inpatient Hospitals/Acute Hospitalization
Vocational Rehabilitation Services/Workers Compensation
Alcohol and Drug Programs
Correctional Facilities
Department of Social Services
Mental Health – Children's and Adolescent Division
Professional Organizations in Which I Am a Member
American Counseling Association
Counseling Philosophy
I believe that for counseling to be effective, both you and I must be actively involved in developing counseling goals and assessing progress. Efforts to change self-perception, emotions, and behaviors require work both in session and out of session. Some change will occur quickly and easily, but more often change requires slow, deliberate, and repeated efforts. You should be aware that while counseling interventions offer potential benefits, they also present possible risks. Such risks might include uncomfortable feelings of sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger or frustrations as you discuss unpleasant aspects of your life, or experience difficulties with other people as you change. Furthermore, as a result of your personal growth, you might experience feelings of discomfort until you adjust to the changes within and they become a routine part of your life. Nevertheless, weigh the potential risks against the benefits, which might include such assets as gaining insight into your problems, developing coping skills and resources, and changing yourself so that participating in life’s daily activities generally becomes a more positive experience.
Counseling Approach
I think every individual is a unique and a complex being, therefore, the approach I take with your concerns is based on the information you provide and my assessment of your emotional, mental, physical, social, spiritual, economic, and career characteristics. I will need your collaboration as we identify issues that will be worked on in session or what issues may need other resources such as a physician, psychiatrist, or another trusted resource. It is important that we be open and honest with each other in order for appropriate counseling goals to be established. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and the bio-psychosocial counseling approach of mind, body, and spirit in working with the total individual is the basic theoretical foundation of my work with clients. Depending on your individual needs, I will use different methods of therapy. Most sessions will focus on self-awareness, choice, problem solving, and setting goals for the present and future. Other areas of counseling may include focusing on responsibility, meaning of life, your strengths and limitations, self-concept, acceptance, and change. Outside of session, there may be homework assignments such as journal writing, reading, art or other methods of self-discovery and expression. The process and content of the assignments will be followed up in counseling sessions for the development of self-awareness and healing. I will challenge you in a caring and empathetic manner to look at yourself and seek alternative options and strategies for handling life. I believe a trusting working relationship between counselor and client is important and I strive to achieve that collaboration. I am comfortable working with individuals from diverse cultures and lifestyles and feel being accepting, objective, respectful, and genuine are characteristics essential in working with clients. Overall, counseling is a process in which you the individual gain knowledge and tools that will facilitate continued growth and development after therapy has ended.
Additional areas of focus: Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Aging and geriatric issues, Antisocial personality, Blended family issues, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Drug and alcohol addiction, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, Forgiveness, Hoarding, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman Method, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy
NC LCMHC 3707
VA LPC 0701005134
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for David Pugh. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
David is a great counsellor who works with you in a lighthearted, supportive way that enables you to trust his expertise and professionalism and be comfortable from the start. He’s great at suggesting different ways to help with whatever you are going through and is always there to encourage, inspire and support you. Definitely recommended!
Written on Aug 10, 2020 after therapy with David for 2 weeks