Cristy Clark Estes is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. Cristy is also a Certified Telehealth Practitioner (CTP) in the state of Florida. She received her Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Florida Gulf Coast University; her Master of Arts in Counseling from Webster University; and then a post-master’s degree, Specialist in Education, from Barry University, with a concentration in Marriage and Family Counseling. Cristy has experience and training in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Strength-Based approaches, and Trauma-Informed Care. Cristy works with individuals, couples, and families. She believes in building a trusting relationship and working together to enhance client growth. She is passionate about bringing awareness to mental health issues and helping improve access to quality mental health treatment. In her free time, Cristy enjoys reading, rose gardening, Disney, and spending time with family and friends. Please contact me for additional appointment times not listed on my calendar. I am flexible with additional appointment times.
During your first session, Cristy will spend time getting to know you and allowing you to ask questions in order to get to know her. Cristy will focus on listening to your concerns and what you are feeling. Cristy will end the first session by working with you to identify 2-3 small goals to start working on. Cristy likes to start small to keep you from feeling overwhelmed.
If you were to ask my current clients I would say my primary strength is making a client feel safe and comfortable in the therapeutic environment. Clients find it easy to talk and share, even during their first session. I like hands on therapy, so as I mentioned before I like to give homework assignments, and sometimes get ideas right in the middle of the session. I encourage clients and use their identified strengths to help them move forward. Another strength I have is challenging the client's irrational thoughts or behaviors in a way that they don't feel judged or uncomfortable.
Cristy's ideal client wants to make a change in their current situation. This change can be small or big. Cristy likes her clients to be engaged and share their true thoughts and feelings during the session.
Strength-Based
I believe we all have the strength to overcome our personal barriers. I like to help clients find their strengths and use those strengths to be successful with whatever has brought them to therapy and in any part of their lives.