Veronica Montoya has experience working with all ages, including adults, young adults, teens/adolescents, and children. She has worked with people in a broad range of areas, including anxiety, depression, substance use, parent-child relationships, self-esteem, decision-making issues, and body image issues. The most important aspect of my work with you will be to build a positive, trusting therapeutic relationship in which we can together work through whatever difficulties you may be facing. Being a therapist is my first career. I studied psychology with a minor in Spanish for my bachelor's degree and have a master's degree in mental health counseling (which led to me becoming a licensed mental health counselor). There are many reasons I am well-suited to be a therapist but to begin, I am nonjudgmental, caring, empathetic, and open. I have worked in a variety of areas, including private practice, residential treatment centers with adults and teens, and specialized therapeutic foster care with children. I have also worked with everyone from infants and toddlers to seniors. These various settings help me take a holistic approach when working with my clients.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the first session, the intake is completed, which involves an assessment of your history to get an idea of your treatment needs. I like to be able to get to know my clients to meet them where they are in order to work with them best. I believe in collaboratively setting goals with my clients to help them in their areas of need while empowering them to use their strengths to overcome difficulties. Progress is made when goals have been reached and behavior and thought-patterns have been shifted according to each person's desires in treatment. I like working with clients who are open and willing in the therapeutic process and those ready to put in the work to become their best selves.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I primarily use cognitive behavioral therapy method to take a look at thoughts and how they affect feelings, and how our feelings affect our behaviors. I also utilize humanistic and solution-focused techniques.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
To continue learning and building competencies as a provider, I stay up-to-date on research in different areas and use research-based evidence in treatment. I collaborate with my colleagues when discussing issues, which allows me to provide the best treatment for my clients. I am excited about a lot of things in the evolving mental health landscape. Firstly, I am excited that quality mental health care is more available to more people at an affordable rate. I am also excited about telehealth being accepted, as it allows more people to receive care who otherwise would not be able to. I enjoy reading and studying the connections between the brain and the body, how our thoughts affect our physical health, and how our mind and body are connected.