Having worked and managed in the culinary, music, and security arenas of the restaurant and service industries for many years, I became acutely aware of the need for help for those in our society who weren’t able to avoid the pitfalls of alcoholism, addiction, and other mental disorders that make manageable living difficult, if not impossible.
Since graduating and walking through the attainment process for my licensures, I have since seen the depths of the ocean of factors that contribute to the pain and suffering etched on the souls of so many of my clients. At times this pain is evident on their countenances and at other times only through their actions and/or reactions. Whether finding themselves in ICU, or detox, these brave souls have waded through rivers of stress, depression, and anxiety searching for their far shore. Not far behind this encounter can be the evidence of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or trauma. Add too many of these a genetic predisposition to alcoholism and/or addiction and it is as if the pages of their history have been doused with gasoline and set afire, at times, due to the use of substances.
It is for this reason that I yearn to be present when clients are prepared to consider “peeling back the layers” of who they have been and who they have become. When the client can then initiate the process necessary to meet their true selves head-on and initiate the series of actions meant to lift them up and heal them, then I can be present to assist them in empowering themselves through education and the experiences of their peers to be present for themselves and others. It is in this way, that the client can then truly begin to be of service to others if they so desire.
Statement of Clinical Philosophy
Having worked primarily in settings where I facilitated intensive outpatient groups of short and long durations, I have always approached my group work with a strength-based approach. I see my clients as resourceful and resilient and primarily employ motivational interviewing, and cognitive-behavioral therapeutic techniques to guide patients down the path of their choosing. This path is theirs for them to discover who they want to be and to discover where they want to go from “here”.
Due to many of my groups being comprised of mandated clients who are required to attend sessions in differing numbers, many times I would work with clients in as many as 20 sessions and as few as four sessions. Many times clients would present to me as if in crisis and I would find success utilizing Solution Focused Brief Therapy to assist the client find the motivation to empower themselves to continue reaching for a solution once discharged from my facilities at completion of treatment.
Also helpful has been utilizing the Crisis Intervention Model. Very often, clients would arrive having been recently charged and/or convicted of a D.U.I. or similar charge. I then find out that the client is a survivor whose spouse had recently committed suicide, for instance. This type of particular client needed more help than what I could provide in that setting and it was important to connect that person with therapists and agencies which were prepared, trained, and able to assist this client with the eventual processing of their pain and anguish. In the meantime, I had to begin the process of using the seven stages, from assessing safety through developing an action plan and encouraging the client to follow up.
Overall, whether it was mandated DUI/DOT clients, first-offenders, or methadone IOP clients, or even those within the locked confines of the Behavioral Medicine Unit at the hospital, I found that most responded well when their quest for sobriety was viewed through the lens of Social Learning Theory, within the group setting. As clients moved forward through the sessions, they modeled the behavior of clients who had progressed before them and who had achieved some measure of success. While applying these new concepts or techniques for sobriety the clients began to tailor them to fit their own unique journey, which assisted them in maintaining their continued sobriety. The newer clients themselves used these proven concepts to assist them also in achieving a measure of sobriety and then they also began to model it for those that came after them.
Thus, a continuum of care began to assist clients as they first began and then finished IOP. In the meantime, relationships were constructed and a foundation was built. It was off this foundation, from which patients were able to springboard to a less-intensive schedule of treatment with a great degree of continued success.
I look forward every day, to learning more from my clients.
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coaching, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Blended Family Issues, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Commitment Issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Emptiness, Family Problems, Fertility Issues, First Responder Issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Military and Veterans Issues, Money and financial issues, Narcissism, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-love, Sex Addiction, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexual Dysfunction, Sexuality, Smoking/Vaping Cessation, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
NC LCSW C011731
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Jonathan Riffey. 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.
I have been speaking with Jonathan for approximately 3 months now. I was unsure about counselling via an app and had not had a great experience with therapy in the past but on a whim I signed up ( an impulse decision at 1 am on a Sunday as I recall).
Right from the start my experience with Jonathan was different. It was evident that he had taken the time to review my personal introduction, provided additional tools via a questionnaires to help understand my unique experience, help focus our time together and enable me to identify my chief concerns.
Jonathan has been extremely kind and respectful throughout all of our meetings. His insight and leading questions have allowed me to make great progress in dealing with the terminal illness of my mother and the challenges of parenting 2 teens through this COVID-19 experience. Jonathan checks in with me during the week, every week. He doesn’t pressure me to respond, however he always responds to anything I post to him.
One particularly challenging day I sent a message just to be sure that I would remember to discuss it during our counselling session. I did not expect a response ( and even stated as much in the message). Jonathan responded in short order and we were able to discuss via messaging that day. This action helped me greatly and I appreciated it a great deal.
I have been very open with people in my life about my good experiences with BetterHelp and specifically my appreciation and respect for the work that Jonathan does. I have referred several people to the service and my boss, friends and family members have commented on the positive changes they see in my emotional well-being since beginning counselling with Jonathan through the app.
Thank you BetterHelp for creating an excellent platform that has allowed me to truly improve my quality of life. Thank you to Jonathan for providing the care I need in a professional, kind and effective way.
Kate B- Ontario, Canada
Written on Jul 31, 2021 after therapy with Jonathan for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, eating disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
it's my first experience with therapy, and i was hesitant at first to see anyone. it's been a few months with betterhelp now, and jonathan is awesome. he is very thorough in addressing the messages and what i've been saying in our sessions and responding in a thoughtful and meaningful way that helps to maintain my progress towards my therapy goals, and allows me chances during the day to reflect and be mindful of where my emotions are before they lead to crises. he is also quick to respond, so it seems each day i can take time to assess and refocus my mind to stay positive and keep progressing. highly recommended!
Written on Jul 27, 2021 after therapy with Jonathan for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, anger management, and compassion fatigue
Helped me such and helped me to put things in perspective . Great counselling session always feel better after the session and hopeful
Thank you Jonathan
Written on Jun 03, 2021 after therapy with Jonathan for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, eating disorders, self esteem, and career difficulties
Jonathan has been a wonderful support during my healing journey. I feel heard, understood and respected. I greatly appreciate being able to speak freely during sessions and have time for reflection at the end. I’m left with resources and understanding rather than confusion or loss after a session.
Written on May 26, 2021 after therapy with Jonathan for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Jonathan is very friendly and caring. He helped me sort a complex overwhelming issue in the meeting and has subsequently been very present & thorough in helping me to sort through my problems, and start making the changes I want to make. Grateful for his help and looking forward to our next session.
Written on Mar 17, 2021 after therapy with Jonathan for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and adhd