Greetings! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 25 years of counseling experience in both clinical and school settings. I earned my masters degree in counseling from the State University of West Georgia in 1995. I am dedicated to empowering young adults to recognize their strengths, develop healthier coping strategies, and enhance their overall life, health, and well-being.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the first session, we'll begin with brief introductions to get to know each other and establish a comfortable environment. We'll start with a positive approach by sharing one thing we're grateful for, which can set a supportive tone for our work together. Afterward, we'll discuss the challenges that brought you to seek counseling, so I can better understand your needs and how we can move forward in a way that supports your goals.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my deep passion for helping others, which drives me to provide the best care possible. I create a supportive and non-judgmental space where you will feel safe to explore your thoughts and emotions. My compassion allows me to connect on a deeper level, offering empathy and understanding as we work together to help you overcome your challenges and achieve personal growth.
About Waikiki Upshaw
Identifies as
Specializes in
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts cash
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
The integration of CBT has proven to be highly effective in helping clients address a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress management, communication difficulties, and low self-esteem. By focusing on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, I guide clients to identify and challenge negative thinking patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and improve emotional regulation.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I have effectively utilized Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to help clients focus on their resources and past successes to create a vision of their preferred future. By helping clients identify specific, achievable goals, I empower them to build on their strengths and develop practical strategies for overcoming challenges, fostering confidence, and promoting positive change in a relatively short timeframe.
Group Therapy
I have effectively incorporated group therapy into my work with clients facing issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, communication challenges, anger management, and low self-esteem. Group therapy provides a supportive environment where clients can share experiences, gain different perspectives, and learn from one another. It fosters a sense of community, reducing isolation and helping clients realize they are not alone in their struggles. Through facilitated discussions and activities, group members practice communication, develop coping skills, and build confidence, which contributes to personal growth and reinforces positive behavior change.
Grief Therapy
With over 25 years of experience, I have specialized in grief therapy to support clients who have experienced loss or abandonment. Grief therapy helps individuals process complex emotions such as sadness, anger, guilt, or confusion that often accompany significant losses. In my approach, I provide a compassionate space for clients to explore their feelings, honor their loss, and find meaning in their experiences. By using various techniques like narrative therapy, emotional expression, and mindfulness, I help clients navigate their grief journey, fostering healing, acceptance, and resilience in the face of loss or abandonment.