Overcoming an impossible task takes time.
Several years ago, my wife and I finally found a house we could afford. It’s a lovely little house, and we still live in it.
The only problem with the house was that the entire backyard was CONCRETE! That’s right; I said concrete. One of the former owners worked for a concrete company, and anytime they had leftovers, they poured another pad until the whole yard was gone.
You may or may not know this, but it isn’t easy to get rid of concrete. You have to use a jackhammer or cut it with a diamond blade saw, get equipment that can dig it up, and then haul it to the landfill. But that’s just the start of the journey because once you have the muddy dirt exposed, you can begin to shape it into the green space you want it to become.
We are determined to make that happen and turn it into a place to enjoy spending our time. We have now completely removed all of the concrete and are building a small studio for my wife who is an artist. Next will be the landscaping challenge. Pictures to come!
This journey is a challenge.
Coming to counseling can be similar to that concrete. You come with a problem that seems impossible to crack.
First, you try to break it with tools not made for the job. Maybe you get mad and wail on it with a sledgehammer one evening and crack it a little. Perhaps you are even able to pull up some corners to reveal the dirt underneath.
Eventually, though, you’ll realize that if you’re ever going to finish, you need to call someone for help – a professional who can help you break the problem into smaller pieces and dig!
When we sit down together, I want to hear your story. How did the concrete end up there in the first place? How long have you been living with it? And what steps are you willing to take to dig it up and replace it with the life you truly want?
Why Dig Counseling Services?
I have made it my mission in life to help others get through the most challenging times imaginable. You can take many career paths when you become a licensed counselor. But I always knew I would end up in private practice doing the deep and meaningful work you are looking for in a therapist.
When I imagine a metaphor for the work I do with clients, I picture a backhoe digging into the soft soil at the top, hitting the tough rocky layers, and continuing to dig until we find the heart of the matter buried underneath – whatever it is. It’s raw and ugly sometimes; yet, it is ready to be shaped. And then, we begin the process of landscaping the torn-up soil to cultivate new growth.
About Aaron
Things changed for me when I went to therapy.
That’s right – I also go to therapy. I don’t think I could offer therapy without also doing my own work. That’s how much I believe in it and how much it helps me.
I went to my first therapist for nearly 15 years before realizing I needed to explore other forms of therapy to continue to grow and heal. And I continue to become the human being I am meant to be. It has been so life-changing that I decided to become a therapist.
I attended James Madison University, got my master’s degree, and am now a Licensed Professional Therapist (LPC) serving all of Virginia.
Over the last fifteen (plus) years, I have worked with children with behavioral problems,homeless adults with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, university students overwhelmed with anxiety about their assignments, and professionals overwhelmed with the world around them. I have a special interest in working with persons with trauma as well as individuals who have obsessive compulsive disorder.
My life is grounded in my family and friendships.
I am married with three children growing up quickly right before my eyes and becoming amazing people. I spend much of my free time with them. My wife and I enjoy entertaining and playing nerdy board games with our friends. And I have a Yorkie named Pippin (yes, from Lord of the Rings).
Another major part of my life is exercise. I like to stay physically and mentally healthy and make sure I connect with the world outside of my home in the process. We only get one body and taking care of it can greatly improve our mental health as well.
It’s time to commit yourself to a task worth doing.
Don’t wait any longer to start the journey. Email me right away if you think I might fit your needs – aaron@digcounseling.com.

