ABOUT

About Earnest Ford, MC, LPC

Hello,
I’m Earnie Ford. I guess I could be considered a resident of Arizona due to the fact that I’ve lived here for over 25 years. I’m originally from the east coast and spent my adult years traveling while serving in the United States Air Force. I am a retired Senior Master Sergeant with the Air Force, and a retired Maricopa County Adult Probation Officer. I am married with four adult children. I’ve learned much about life from my family as well as my numerous encounters throughout my careers. My hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, attending sporting events (once you meet me, you’ll find out who my favorite teams are…always good “ice-breaking exercises”), and military aircraft history. For years I enjoyed coaching youth sports. However, as my youngest son grew older and into high school sports, that hobby somewhat lessened. Although often, I still say that if I could be doing anything else in life, coaching youth would be that thing.

My education includes an Associate degree in Criminal Justice studies, Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in Counseling. I have been licensed as a professional counselor (LPC) with the state of Arizona for over ten years. Prior to that, I worked as a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and Clinical Liaison. I have worked for various mental health and criminal justice agencies.

Enough about me. Let’s talk about what you’d like to know about me as a counselor/therapist. I have worked with clients on a wide range of challenges such as Addictions, Domestic Violence, Anger Management, Parenting, youth/teen issues, marriage/couples issues, family issues, trauma, anxiety, stress, depression just to name a few. I strive to restore hope to those who need it most, regardless of their past, by going beyond traditional forms of therapy. I work to help you find the support that you need to manage the everyday stressors of life!

PLEASE NOTE: I am what is known as a “helping professional’’, “ a change agent or agent of change”. My services are designed to help with behavioral health, mental health concerns/issues. If part of what you are seeking involves situations such as : determination of fitness for duty, FMLA, disability, legal, child custody, school assessments or matters of that nature. Please understand my licensure and services are not designed to address these matters.

What is my theoretical perspective? I like to say I practice a more eclectic therapeutic approach that incorporates a variety of different approaches to help create a sound treatment plan to meet my client’s needs. Throughout the years I’ve noticed some specifics about new clients coming into therapy. I’d like to share with you.

• Youth, teen issues: As parents, we are often shocked and amazed when our youth begin to display behaviors we were not prepared for i.e. Oppositionally defiant, drug and alcohol use, poor choices in friends, failing grades. When I meet parents with these concerns, I always discuss developmental changes/milestones and what is happening to our youth. I let the parent(s) know I will work with their young person from a cognitive perspective, working to help them see an alternative perspective from a non-judgmental, non-parental point of view.
• Couples/marriage: Often time when couples come to therapy, things are pretty bad. Sometimes they’re looking for advice., or looking for the therapist to help point out the flaws in the other partner or save the relationship. Couples therapy focuses on specific issues, not the person. Advice is not given, except in the cases of domestic violence, which is explained at the onset of the registration process (mandated reporting requirements).
• Family issues: Many times when family comes to therapy, the center of attention is on one family member. That changes during my family sessions. The focus is on the family as a whole focusing on communication, respect, boundaries.
• Parenting: The key: “being on the same page” in all our decisions. It’s not unusual when I talk to parents I hear things that indicate that they are just not on the same page, they’re not even in the same chapter or same book when it comes to raising the kids. I often hear “ when I was their age…..or it worked for me and its gonna work for them.” While the other parent is more willing to take a look at the world as it is today.
• Trauma: There is a belief: The things we don’t talk about are the things that affect us the most. Trauma comes in many many forms. I once had a client who said, “That’s the reason I don’t believe in you guys, or believe in this stuff, you’re always digging up old stuff.” I asked him, if we were digging up old stuff in your case , and we haven’t, what would that do to you.? He became silent.
• Substance abuse/addition: Does this sound familiar? “Well if they know that the alcohol or drugs are causing them problems, why don’t they just stop using?’ My response is “Just like that huh” What many don’t understand that underneath much addiction and abuse is some form of trauma or unresolved issue (a.ka. baggage) and nothing will get better until the unresolved things are treated first.

With all these scenarios, the approach I use involves carefully thought out interventions. I use a variety of tools such as worksheets (some we do in sessions and process others as homework), questionnaires’ and other instruments and techniques I have been trained on or received from the numerous training, conferences, courses I have attended.

As you may have noticed, my approach may seem somewhat straightforward, maybe a little confrontational. Only in a friendly, caring, therapeutic way. So if you’re willing to take the first step, I look forward to meeting and working with you.
Sincerely,
Earnie Ford