KENNETH A. GLEAVES, PH.D., LCPC, CADC, NCAC I
PHILOSOPHY OF TREATMENT
My philosophy of treatment is grounded in research-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and is distinct from less formalized practices commonly known as "counseling." Drawing from established outcome-based frameworks such as Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (Albert Ellis, Ph.D.) and Reality Therapy (William Glasser, M.D.), an initial problem presentation is focused on for accurate definition, allowing therapist and client to agree on the goals of therapy and desired outcomes. The process of refining the presenting problem may take 2-3 sessions, including the completion of a psychosocial history and administration of standardized assessment instruments so that an operational definition of the presenting problem(s) can be placed in mutually understandable terms. As CBT tends to be more directive than passive, the client is presented with a variety of skills which, upon review and active practice, help the client better address and resolve difficulties in their lifestyle. The client's cognitive (thinking) and behavioural styles are reviewed and modified, helping reduce negative/critical self-talk and self-defeating actions. As an active, directive, here-and-now framework, CBT generally emphasizes the client's strengths, adaptive skills, and demonstrated problem-solving ability as opposed to past-oriented reviews of failure, rejection, or victimization".
Kenneth brings more than 30 years of experience in substance abuse and mental health counseling. He is a published researcher and presenter in the areas of counselor education and educational psychology. He has served as a consultant for local school districts, an evaluator for educational programs, and a coordinator of counselor training. In his capacity as clinical director in an accredited community college program, he worked to train addiction counselors to pass state credentialing exams. He is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and holds certification at the state (CADC) and national (NCAC I) levels as a substance abuse counselor.
Professional memberships demonstrate a commitment to one's chosen career path. Dr. Gleaves is a proud member of the following professional organizations and a distinguished alumni of the University of Illinois at Chicago:
Kenneth often will reference this quote attributed to the English author and biblical commentator Matthew Henry (10/18/1662 — 6/22/1714), “None are so deaf as those that will not hear. None so blind as those that will not see.”
The theme for this first digital chapter will showcase the cycles of late summer moving into autumn and will be about how we can serve school-age children and their families. You will meet our resident Educational Psychologist, Kenneth A. Gleaves, Ph.D., LCPC, CADC, NCAC I, through posts on our social media pages as well as here. For now, here are some particularly relevant pearls of wisdom from Kenneth: “Teaching is at the Root of Knowledge.” and “If a client is not motivated for change, the likelihood of change is very remote.”
Kenneth’s statement regarding the upcoming school year:
“If you as a parent are anticipating a challenging academic year, call us now for a consultation.”
Our experience has informed us that issues identified in one school year do not necessarily improve over the next and usually increase in difficulty. Dr. Gleaves can certainly understand the resistance of students toward a process of performance and the unique frustration parents have toward their children, themselves, and the larger influences that impact all of us. We have always helped parents navigate through challenging academic times with their children.
