Paul Hamilton Questions and Answers
How would you describe the staff you assembled at CPA?
Oh gosh, where to start. Enjoyable…fun…competent…regular, real people. The biggest question I ask myself before bringing a therapist on board is, “Are they easy to talk to?” We are in the communication business and the people we work with must feel like the therapist is easy to talk to. Almost 30% of our client base is from word-of-mouth and there is a reason for that: the staff here is that good.
Besides your training, what other experiences in your life influence and enhance your work?
I certainly think being a father, husband, and part of a big family has helped. I also was fortunate to be involved in a lot of activities throughout my life: sports, music, leadership opportunities. Long story short, I was lucky to have a lot of experiences in many different kinds of human interactions that I’m sure have shaped who I am today and how I am as a therapist. It is important for a client to feel connected to his/her therapist, and I believe my varied experiences help nurture that connection and enhance my work.
What’s the most common feedback you get from clients?
Most commonly I hear, “I like how you tell it like it is. You are direct.” Many people seem to like that. What I love about doing therapy is that it is a safe place to discuss “the stuff” that we can’t or don’t talk about outside. It is the most honest communication you can have because the therapist is an objective professional who is there solely for you and you can say whatever it is that is on your mind. And that certainly doesn’t mean I am there just to pat the client on the back and tell them that they are right and the rest of the world is wrong. I would guess clients would describe me as being pretty dynamic. And I certainly don’t have all the answers…but I believe the process of therapy can yield many of the answers and get clients to live more congruent, content lives.
What are some things clients may be surprised to know about you outside of the office?
I guess it would be the breadth of outside interests that I have. I don’t share a whole lot of myself personally with clients unless it is clear that client needs to feel a bit of that connection. Outside of the office, I like to have fun. My Wednesday nights in summer are devoted to my beloved softball team so I can still pretend to be an athlete. I love golf. I love seeing the big name concerts or musicals when they come through town. I love pop culture. I’ve been known to sit in the waiting room here and flip through US Weekly or Entertainment Weekly to see what’s going on in the irrelevant celeb world.
The waiting rooms at CPA are known for the various tasty treats offered. What is your favorite candy?
Blue Raspberry Jolly Ranchers. When I see those in the waiting room, you will shortly not see any of those in waiting room. 😉