Arrowhead Counseling Services - Testimonials
(commentary voluntarily submitted by clients of Arrowhead Counseling Services)

I think there's only one thing worse than having a difficult problem to deal with in your life: the suffocating, helpless feeling that the likelihood of successfully coping, or regaining some peace and happiness, is slipping away from you. That's essentially where I was. Fear, anger, failure, loss, pain, guilt, lacking self-esteem, panicking as I began to lose control of my life. And, being a grown person, I was certain I could never go for help. But at some point, I guess I kind of knew that it was time. I found myself saying for the first time "I can't do this...I don't even know where to start."

Then came a very frightening thought. How do I find someone? I'm not going to ask my friends, "Hey, do you happen to know a good psychologist?" Do you just take a stab into the yellow pages? Call EAP from your employer? Search the Web? Well, I called EAP. And in case you're curious, you just explain a little about your situation, tell them the area you live in, and they give you a few choices. My list included Dr. Narus. The funny part is his name was second on the arbitrarily ordered list the EAP consultant gave me. The first guy didn't answer his phone. So I called Arrowhead Counseling. I guess I'm writing this in the hopes that perhaps I can save someone else the stress, because I think I got very lucky and found an extraordinary human being.

The best way I can describe him in a word stream is that he is careful, very kind, perceptive, professional and goal-oriented. I realize that not everything is the same from client to client, but I just want to try to put into words some of the observations that I think are most striking about what it's like to be in a session with Dr. Narus.

He helps you get started. He simplifies discussions by pacing them and giving them focus (which, after being buried in confusion, was very reassuring). Sure, you feel a little odd at first, but you realize...he's just waiting for you to let him help. He listens...very carefully. He walks with you as you describe, allowing you to communicate in a comfortable fashion, and then surfaces with perspectives and professional assessments phrased in a way you can understand. You begin realizing, over the course of a few sessions, that you're feeling better just for having done something positive. The problem is more than likely still a problem at that point, but you're doing something...seeing an end. He creatively introduces food for thought, framed in his 20+ years of professional experience. He challenges you to learn and take responsibility. And pervading every moment you're in there is the sensation that he truly wants you to succeed. I am learning that beyond the immediate problem was a complex fabric colored by experiences from throughout my life. Through his patience and facilitation, I am beginning to challenge myself to learn to incorporate all those experiences, and how to live a happier, more peaceful life. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I have been pleasantly suprised, and I wish the same for you.

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