Pete Lutz Counseling

Get in touch

‪(828) 419-0485‬
peter.lutz@gmail.com

About Me

For over twenty years, I’ve been curious about the impact of storytelling.

During the first two decades of my adult life, I worked in the arts learning to tell stories through acting, music, writing, filmmaking, and even just plain old getting on stage and talking. To this day, I am still extremely curious about what makes a good story good, obsessively dissecting movies, books, even jokes, to how the insides come together. Through each medium, I found myself collaborating with friends who shared the same curiosity to understand how we could help each other tell better stories. It seemed that in all these forms, honesty and vulnerability were always key to making a story more meaningful and enjoyable for the audience. When then I embarked on my own therapy journey eight years ago, it didn’t take long for my therapist to direct my curiosity around stories toward working to understand my own vulnerability and the story I tell myself about my experiences. This process has been terrifying, sad, and, luckily, sometimes hilarious. It has helped me to live more in the present, but also to aim my focus forward. The most important thing I’ve gained is a tireless curiosity about the subject of my own potential, especially regarding my mental health. I believe curiosity and vulnerability are our best tools for creating mental wellness and better stories. The joy I’ve found in more than two decades of helping other people to be curious about their own vulnerabilities has hugely informed my identity as a counselor.

My Approach

First and foremost, I am a certified Safe Zone practitioner and deeply believe in equal care for everyone of every background. 

In my counseling practice, I integrate many theories to create a compassionate and client-centered therapeutic experience. Two of my favorites are Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Narrative Therapy IFS is a transformative approach that views the mind as made up of distinct “parts,” each with its own perspective, feelings, and roles. These parts can include inner critics, wounded parts, and protective aspects. Through IFS, we work together to help you connect with your true Self—a place of wisdom and compassion. By understanding and integrating these parts, we can address inner conflicts and foster healing from within. This approach allows us to honor your internal experiences and work collaboratively with your inner world to promote emotional balance and growth.

Narrative Therapy emphasizes the stories we tell ourselves and how these narratives shape our identity and experiences. In this approach, we explore and reframe the stories that influence your life, helping you to uncover and embrace alternative narratives that reflect your values and aspirations. We can work together to rewrite your story in a way that aligns with your preferred outcomes and promotes a sense of agency and empowerment.

By combining these modalities, I aim to provide a holistic and client-centered approach that honors your unique journey and supports your personal growth. My goal is to create a safe and collaborative space where you can explore your inner world, past experiences, and present-day realities, challenge limiting beliefs, and cultivate a more fulfilling and authentic life. 

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you’d like to discuss how we can work together to achieve your goals.