Paul Lohkamp, 30 years as social worker, psychotherapist and counselor.

2005 marked the 30th anniversary of Paul’s graduation from St. Louis
University where he earned a masters degree in social work. That same
year, 1975, Paul became Director of Social Service at Alexian Brothers
Hospital, where he managed the social work department and developed
services on the psychiatric unit.

1983 to 1990 gave multiple experiences. Paul served in a chemical
dependency treatment unit in a community hospital and also worked with
children and their families in a state children's psychiatric hospital. After
this came two years as social service director in a transitional program for
homeless families. These years were further enhanced by part time
private practice in psychotherapy and consulting for several organizations
including a nursing home, an adult day care center and several home
health agencies.

In 1990 Paul returned to full time mental health as psychiatric social worker
at Deaconess Hospital. When Deaconess merged with Incarnate Word
Hospital in 1995, he moved to work in their new intensive outpatient
services. Here innovative individual and group therapy programs were
developed for older adults facing many problems of aging, especially
anxiety disorders.

In 2000, when Tenant Corporation purchased Deaconess/Incarnate Word
and closed the hospital, Paul opened his private practice. He also
accepted a position at Catholic Family Counseling as that agency’s
Northwest District Director. At CFC, Paul supervised clinical and office
staff, marketed services to the community and carried a full psychotherapy
caseload of adults and children. In addition, Paul took advantage of
excellent opportunities for continuing education, especially marital therapy.

In 2004, Paul left CFC and went full time into office practice of
psychotherapy. A dream became reality.

Over the last two years, Paul has advanced his therapy skills in "brief, client
centered therapy" and treatment of anxiety disorders, especially obsessive
compulsive disorder (OCD).

Following is a personal note.

Through the years of my social work and psychotherapy
career, I have learned that we are all on a journey searching
for meaning and purpose in life. When we encounter pain,
suffering, grief and loss, and conflicts, we learn how to suffer,
survive and cope with this part of life. Hard times can be an
opportunity to develop and grow.

Many people do not need to talk to a therapist, because they have learned the necessary coping
skills and have enough support from family and friends. Talking to a therapist is an individual
decision. Of course some individuals would hesitate to see a therapist because they are too afraid,
unsure or stubborn.

Others may be trying to deal with a serious mental illness or psychological problem, and
psychotherapy provides the only way to cope.

Still others weather the storms of trauma, loss, survival and recovery. Then, having accomplished
this, they want to improve even more – to become better persons, better spouses, better parents,
better workers. They feel better and have a better outlook, so they want to talk to someone about
what’s next. Talking to someone helps a person find the motivation to do the work needed to
change.

If what you have read rings a bell for you, give me a call. I would welcome hearing from you.
Paul Lohkamp