Hello! I’m Andrés, a licensed Mental Health therapist based in Tampa, Florida. My journey in therapy is driven by a profound respect for the human mind and a its capacity to adapt and thrive no matter how difficult the circumstances. This is especially true of our military service members and their families. During the week I work with this brave community, and over the weekends, I extend my services through private practice, often assisting individuals navigating through their first episodes of psychosis. My therapeutic approach is integrative and based on cognitive behavioral therapy principles , infused with my keen interests in brain science, psychology, and the tranquility that mindful meditation brings into the healing process. Welcome to a space of understanding, growth, and the collaborative pursuit of well-being.
In the initial session with me, clients can expect a warm and welcoming environment where open communication is encouraged. Here's a brief outline of what to anticipate: 1. **Introduction and Rapport Building:** I'll introduce myself, outline the therapy process, and start building a rapport to foster a comfortable and trusting relationship. 2. **Discussion of Concerns:** Clients are invited to share their concerns, challenges, or what prompted them to seek therapy. This discussion aims to provide a clear picture of the client's current situation and goals for therapy. 3. **Assessment:** A gentle assessment may be conducted to understand the client's mental, emotional, and relational dynamics. This could encompass a discussion on past experiences, current stressors, and future aspirations. 4. **Therapeutic Framework Explanation:** I'll explain the therapeutic frameworks like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and how they may be beneficial. Clients are also introduced to the idea of integrating mindful meditation, if they're open to it. 5. **Setting Goals:** Together, we’ll start formulating short-term and long-term therapeutic goals, aligning them with the client's personal aspirations for mental and emotional well-being. 6. **Addressing Questions:** Clients are encouraged to ask any questions they have about the therapy process, ensuring they feel informed and comfortable moving forward. 7. **Scheduling Follow-Up:** Before concluding, we’ll schedule follow-up sessions and discuss any initial steps the client might start with on their therapeutic journey. This first encounter aims to create a supportive foundation for our work together, promoting self-awareness and paving the way for a fruitful therapeutic relationship.
I believe my greatest strengths as a therapist lie in my ability to create a safe, supportive environment, coupled with a genuine dedication to my client's well-being. Here’s a little more detail: 1. **Empathy and Understanding:** My experiences have honed my ability to empathize and understand the diverse challenges individuals face, especially those transitioning through significant life changes or dealing with mental health issues like psychosis. 2. **Client-Centered Approach:** I prioritize a client-centered approach, tailoring sessions to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual, which fosters a positive and productive therapeutic relationship. 3. **Integrative Techniques:** My grounding in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, enriched by an integrative perspective, allows me to offer a well-rounded approach to therapy. This approach encourages exploration and understanding of the mind, which often resonates well with clients. 4. **Commitment to Continued Learning:** My passion for psychology, the brain, and even quantum physics drives me to continually learn and integrate new insights into my practice, enriching the therapeutic experience. 5. **Mindfulness Practices:** I value the incorporation of mindful meditation to help clients cultivate a deeper self-awareness and resilience, forming a cornerstone of their healing journey. 6. **Resilience Building:** My work with post 9/11 veterans and their families has equipped me with the skills to help build resilience and empower clients to thrive amidst life’s adversities. 7. **Flexible Availability:** My availability extends over weekdays and weekends, showing my dedication to support my clients when they need it. These strengths, I believe, contribute to creating a meaningful and transformative therapeutic experience for my clients.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is the frontline treatment for folks dealing with trauma. Specifically, those dealing with symptoms of PTSD. I have used this framework since I started working with the military population (2 years) and it has proven to be extraordinarily effective. Many of my clients will start with PCL-5 scores in the 60s and end treatment in the single digits or teens. That means that their symptoms have gone down so much that they no longer qualify for a diagnosis of PTSD. Of course, that is not always the case, but for the vast majority, it has been in my experience.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the frontline treatment method for many mental health issues including Anxiety, Depression, and even chronic pain! I have used CBT in my practice from the start! This is the method I was first trained in and since then have gone on to use it in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, chronic pain and psychosis.