Pearl Parks
I am a mental health therapist who is passionate about healing. I believe that health is holistic - mind, body, and spirit. I am passionate about being a safe space for mental and emotional healing, especially for African American and Christian-faith communities who have not, historically, been as open to mental health therapy.
I am passionate about being a safe space for mental and emotional healing, especially for African American and Christian-faith communities who have not, historically, been as open to mental health therapy.
I incorporate Christian faith into therapy for clients who desire this.
First session
During our first session, I like to get to know the individual(s) with whom I am working; we talk about things such as their likes/dislikes, career, leisure, family constellation, friends, etc. After this, we talk about their presenting concern(s) and goals for therapy.
Strengths
My clients share with me their feeling that I listen well; and, I am non-judgmental. They share that I am supportive; and, able to offer varying helpful perspectives and identify root-causes of concerns.
Ideal clients
My ideal client would be an individual, couple or family. Individuals might be those who have been going through life; but, feel that “something” is just not as it should be. Some may feel, “I just can’t get past _____”. Yet, another may feel that they make the same, poor, choices/decisions over and over. Some experience more than one of these, at the same time. Couples may need to be able to communicate better, deal with infidelity; or, be at the brink of divorce. Families may need to understand one another better, communicate better and love each other better. Anxiety and depression can be felt with these; and, other issues. Listening to the individual, couple or family I gain insight into how they are feeling/experiencing the concern. I attempt to reach the root-cause of behaviors; and, help them to understand the link between perception and behavior. I collaborate with clients to develop goals. For couples/families, I take care to help all parties feel heard and not attacked. Most of us have moments, in our lives, when we do not have clear direction; or, we cannot seem to emerge from a dark emotional space. The challenge, though, is to say, “I need help; please help me get on-track”. This is why I provide a welcoming environment that is not intimidating; but, a place where hope is in-reach.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize a cognitive-behavioral approach to assist clients in identifying and understanding the impact their thinking has on behaviors and responses. I utilize this approach through talk-therapy; and, through between-session assignments, as needed.
Attachment-based
I, often, utilize an Attachment-based approach to assist clients in identifying how attachment, especially, in early childhood and formative years tend to affect how we attach in adulthood. Once identified, various interventions are used to process the attachment issues. Afterwards we begin work to learn to develop healthy attachments, where possible; and, to develop healthy, current and future attachments.
Couples Counseling
I have worked with many couples in counseling. I have treated married and unmarried couples. I work with couples who have concerns related to communication, intimacy, infidelity and potential divorce. Typically, we work to enhance communication; define each person's needs and how they can work together as a unit.
Family Therapy
I work with families, periodically. When working with families, I work to enhance communication between amongst the family members. When working with families I look at the family dynamic and how it might be improved to benefit each member, as well as the family, as a unit.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I utilize aspects of DBT, often, in my practice. I assist clients in being able to identify emotions and process emotions, through mindfulness. I assist clients in being able to manage intense emotions and cope in healthy ways; and, to be able to regulate emotions that were, previously, overwhelming.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Black / African American
Woman
Top specialties
Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Depression
Other specialties
Anger Management
Coping Skills
Domestic Violence
Family Therapy
Grief
Life Transitions
Perinatal Mental Health
Self Esteem
Spirituality
Trauma and PTSD
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Licensed in
IllinoisLicense 180008970