About

My name is Holley Elam and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in both Oklahoma and Texas. I have experience working with individuals, families, couples, adolescents, and children in a variety of settings. I have worked in psychiatric hospitals, substance abuse recovery centers, military facilities, and private practice. My personal life experiences are what lead me into this profession. I know firsthand what it is like to sit in the opposite chair. I also am aware of how difficult it is sometimes to reach out for help. Regardless of the reason you have decided to explore therapy, please know that asking for help does not signify failure. Quite the opposite really. Recognizing our own short comings, needs for change, & emotional instabilities indicates emotional intelligence and self-awareness. I commend you for your decision.
Therapy is a very personal experience in my opinion. There is no one “cookie-cutter” methodology that works for everyone. I approach therapy knowing that everyone is a unique being and they deserve their own unique process. My therapeutic approach is more eclectic, meaning that I may pull from several different theoretical approaches when collaborating with my clients. I feel that honesty is top priority in a working therapeutic relationship. I am a very blunt and forthcoming therapist because I do not believe that it is helpful to “sugar coat” my professional observations or to deliver them vaguely only to leave clients attempting to decode the message. The therapeutic relationship is one that becomes very intimate very quickly despite the 1 hour per week time frame we actually spend with one another. Therefore, my goal is to make good use of that time so progress can continue, and change can commence.
I too, value upfront feedback from my clients. So, if at any point you do not feel I am understanding what you are attempting to tell me or I misinterpret something you say, please do correct me. I am a human being and will make mistakes. I also feel that it is especially important for my clients to feel as if we are moving in a direction they want to go when addressing their needs and moving towards change. Again, if at anytime you do not feel that our sessions are continuing to be helpful or that progress is not being made, please bring this to my attention so that we may discuss it and either address the issue or look at alternative options.
Nothing stays the same forever. Change is inevitable. It is going to happen rather you want it to or not. You can either be in the driver’s seat or the passenger’s seat of change; controlling your life or allowing someone/something else to control it for you. Get in the driver’s seat and let the top down. The wind may feel good in your hair.