Hi there, my name is Kelly Evans, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I believe that the therapy room is a special place where real transformation can occur. I am honored to have the opportunity to listen, understand, and support my clients as they share their experiences with me. My approach to therapy is centered around hope and positivity. I encourage my clients to challenge themselves and embrace personal growth by exploring their thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. My goal is to provide a non-judgmental, genuine space where you can be yourself and find the healing and the change you seek. I am deeply committed to helping my clients lead happier and healthier lives. Let's connect and see how I can make a difference in your life. I would be honored to support you on your journey.
In our first therapy session, clients can expect a welcoming and supportive environment focused on rapport building and creating a safe space. We will review confidentiality and go over the therapy process. The first session will focus on really getting to know the client. This might involve asking about their background, current issues they are facing, their goals for therapy, and any specific concerns they wish to address. While the session is more about understanding the client, there may be a preliminary discussion about what the client hopes to achieve through therapy and setting the stage for future goal-setting. And as always, clients will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. Overall, the first session with you will be a foundational step in building a trusting and effective therapeutic relationship, aimed at understanding and efficiently helping the client.
With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, I bring a wealth of knowledge and compassion to my work. I've enhanced my skills through internships at Children’s Home Society, Orange County Youth Shelter, Bays, and Milestone Counseling. I also worked as a child protective investigator for the Department of Children and Families for three years. In recent years, I've had the privilege of working in private practice, where I've been able to make a positive impact in the lives of my clients. I am passionate about what I do and strive to provide the highest quality care to each and every one of my clients. Whether you're looking for support through a difficult life transition, or seeking to overcome mental health challenges, I'm here to help. Let's work together to help you grow.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and challenging negative and unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Clients learn to identify any negative thoughts, develop new strategies to combat them, learn to stay in the present moment and overall be a more positive person. CBT is collaborative; the therapist and client work together to identify issues and develop strategies. Cognitive behavioral therapy allows clients to take control of their life again. Remember, thoughts are not real.
Gestalt therapy is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes personal responsibility and focuses on the individual's experience in the present moment, the therapist-client relationship, the environmental and social contexts of a person's life, and the self-regulating adjustments people make as a result of their overall situation. I use various experimental techniques, such as role-playing, to help clients explore their emotions and behaviors. Gestalt Therapy aims to enhance the client's awareness of themselves and their environment. It encourages clients to explore their feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and experiences to gain a better self-understanding. Gestalt therapy often focuses on unresolved issues or unfinished business to help clients find closure and move on. It is particularly effective in helping individuals understand and accept themselves, improve their self-awareness, and resolve internal conflicts. It is often used to treat anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief and loss, and self-esteem problems.
Group therapy is important for several reasons, it offers unique benefits that individual therapy may not provide. It provides support and understanding, group members are exposed to a variety of perspectives, which can help them see their own issues in a new light and learn different strategies for dealing with their challenges. Group offers feedback and interaction, improves social skills, helps you learn through observation, have accountability and motivation, more cost effectiveness, sense of belonging, and enhances self-reflection. Overall, group therapy offers a unique and valuable setting for personal growth and healing, providing members with a sense of community, diverse insights, and practical strategies to navigate their challenges.