Hello! I'm Chrissie. I'm a helper and my work as a therapist provides meaning to my life. I'm from Trinidad and I recognize the impact our culture and background has in making us who we are. My personality and approach is person centered and based on authenticity. I am not perfect and I don't expect you to be. Sessions with me are structured based on what each client needs. I take the time to learn your story, find out what is important to you and what you are seeking. My sessions usually include laughter (when appropriate,) and I always strive to be my authentic self.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our initial session I will introduce myself, we will discuss confidentiality, what therapy sessions will look like and any housekeeping items. Then we will begin completing an intake assessment which is a series of questions that I ask so that I can learn about who you are and what brings you to therapy. Having this background information can really help me understand you as a whole person. Feel free to ask me questions as well, about therapy and why I became a therapist.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My biggest strength as a therapist is the ability to connect with my clients. I do this through being very approachable, warm, and open, and most importantly, with a non judgmental attitude. I love celebrating my clients' gains and I am there as support for the more difficult times. Having a client who reported being anxious at the start of the first therapy session who later reports being comfortable and excited for our next session, is my idea of success.
About Chrissie Beharry-Sperling
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Accepts cash
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Person centered therapy is the basis of my treatment approach. It allows for you the client to lead the sessions, while I provide support and guidance. This takes into consideration that you are the expert in your own story and the answers are within you, we just have to find them. I also practice unconditional positive regard, meaning that I accept you as you are, empathy and authenticity. This enables me to establish a meaningful relationship with my clients as a strong therapeutic relationship is needed for therapy to be successful.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is based on the idea that thoughts affect feelings, which affects behaviors. CBT interventions are applied to help with thought distortions and negative behaviors. I use CBT in conjunction with other approaches to meet the needs of my clients.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Culturally sensitive therapy is an approach that highlights that an understanding of a person's cultural background is important in understanding that person as a whole. I work with a diverse population and I am aware that our varying backgrounds inform who we are. I take my time to learn about yours so that I can best assist you.
Compassion Focused
Compassion focused therapy is used in my practice to help my clients practice self compassion skills especially to address issues related to shame and guilt. Many of us have difficulty giving ourselves grace. This is something that I promote in my sessions.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness based therapy is utilized in my practice to help clients come to the present moment. Often times we can get lost in the past or anxious about the future but when we used mindfulness based approaches such as grounding we can help ourselves feel safe in our current moment.