New to Grow
Hello, my name is Collette Jones, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Louisiana and Arizona. I became a counselor because I believe deeply in the power of being heard and supported during life’s most challenging moments. Therapy is not about “fixing” someone—it is about helping people recognize their own strengths, gain new skills, and feel empowered to create the changes they want in their lives. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, identity concerns, or family and relationship issues. With young clients, I focus on creating a safe, engaging, and age-appropriate space where they can express themselves and learn coping strategies that fit their world. With adults, I often work on patterns of thought and behavior that feel overwhelming or stuck, using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) while also drawing from creative and supportive methods. My counseling style is collaborative and compassionate. I believe that clients are the experts of their own lives, and my role is to walk alongside them with guidance, tools, and encouragement. I take time to listen carefully and tailor each session to meet the unique needs of the individual or family. Clients often describe me as approachable, understanding, and genuinely invested in their growth. Whether you are a parent seeking support for your child, a teenager navigating big life changes, or an adult wanting to feel more grounded and confident, I am here to help. My goal is for you to leave each session with a sense of clarity, hope, and practical strategies you can use right away. If you are ready to take the next step, I would be honored to support you on your journey toward healing and growth.
Our First Session Starting therapy is a brave step, and it’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions—relief, curiosity, nervousness, or even uncertainty. Many clients wonder what to expect, what to say, or how much to share. My goal for our first session is to make you feel safe, supported, and understood from the very beginning. 1. Getting Comfortable Whether we meet in person or virtually, I want you to feel at ease. If we’re online, I’ll encourage you to choose a quiet, private space. If we’re meeting in person, you’ll have a calm, welcoming environment to settle into. You don’t need to prepare anything in advance. Just come as you are—there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to begin therapy. 2. Going Over the Basics We’ll start with some practical details. I’ll review informed consent, confidentiality, and my office policies, including scheduling and cancellations. I’ll explain how your privacy is protected and go over the few limits to confidentiality, such as safety concerns. I’ll answer any questions you may have so you feel clear about how therapy works. 3. Sharing Your Reasons for Coming After the basics, I’ll invite you to talk about what brought you here. You may have a specific concern, such as anxiety, relationship struggles, or a recent life change—or you may simply feel “stuck” or “off.” Both are valid starting points. You can share as much or as little as feels comfortable. Some clients talk a lot right away, while others take their time. 4. Learning More About You To understand you better, I may ask about your background—your family, relationships, work, health, and any past experiences with therapy. I’ll also ask about your strengths, supports, and coping strategies. We might begin discussing what you hope to get out of therapy. For example: What would you like to feel or handle differently? What situations or patterns keep coming up for you? What would “progress” look like in your life? 5. Beginning to Set Goals Therapy works best when we set goals together. These don’t have to be finalized in the first session; they often develop over time. Some people want practical tools and strategies, while others want space for deeper exploration and healing. Even if your goals are unclear at first, we’ll identify a starting point so you leave with a sense of direction. 6. Planning Next Steps I’ll share my thoughts on what might be most helpful moving forward. This could include: How often we meet (weekly, bi-weekly, or another
My Greatest Strengths One of the strengths I bring to my practice is a deep commitment to creating a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment for every client. I believe that healing begins when people feel truly seen and understood. Whether you are a child learning to manage big emotions, a teen navigating identity or social challenges, a young adult facing transitions, or an adult working through anxiety, depression, or relationship struggles, my approach is designed to meet you where you are. Collaborative and Individualized Approach I consider collaboration one of my greatest strengths. Therapy is most effective when clients are active participants in the process, and I work alongside each person to set goals, explore challenges, and develop practical strategies. I don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach; instead, I tailor every session to the client’s needs, preferences, and life stage. With children and adolescents, I incorporate age-appropriate, creative methods such as games, art, storytelling, and interactive exercises. These approaches make therapy engaging and help young clients express themselves in ways that feel natural and comfortable. With teens, I balance support and guidance with opportunities for them to discover their voice, explore identity, and develop coping skills. For adults and young adults, my approach combines evidence-based methods with personalized strategies. I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns, build problem-solving skills, and develop emotional resilience. I also integrate other techniques, such as mindfulness practices, psychoeducation, and reflective exercises, depending on the client’s goals. Emphasis on Strengths and Empowerment Another key strength is my focus on client strengths. I believe every client has unique abilities, resilience, and insight, even if they don’t feel it at the moment. Part of my role is helping clients identify and build on those strengths. This approach fosters empowerment and encourages long-term growth, rather than simply focusing on symptoms or challenges. By highlighting what is working well, clients gain confidence in their ability to handle difficulties and implement change. I guide clients in applying these strengths to everyday situations—whether it’s managing anxiety, improving communication, or navigating a major life transition. Evidence-Based Methods with Flexibility My therapeutic
My Ideal Clients When I think about the clients who are the best fit for my practice, I imagine people who may feel overwhelmed or uncertain but are ready to reach out for support. My ideal clients are not defined by having everything figured out; instead, they are defined by their willingness to show up, explore, and work alongside me to create meaningful change. I am best positioned to serve children, adolescents, and adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, self-esteem struggles, identity questions, or family and relationship challenges. While these concerns look different depending on age and life stage, they all share a common thread: the desire to feel more confident, grounded, and at peace. Children and Adolescents I have a deep passion for working with children and teens. Many young clients come to therapy because they are struggling with emotions, friendships, or school performance. Some feel anxious about grades or social pressure, while others deal with sadness, anger, or behavioral challenges. Because children and teens may not always have words for their feelings, I use creative methods like drawing, journaling, or storytelling to help them express themselves safely. My ideal young client doesn’t need to come in “ready to talk.” They just need a space where they feel seen, heard, and supported. In sessions, I balance warmth and structure, helping them build coping skills for calming anxiety, managing anger, or improving confidence. Young Adults I also enjoy supporting young adults who are navigating the challenges of independence. This stage of life brings excitement but also uncertainty. Many wrestle with questions such as: Who am I? What do I want for my future? How do I cope with pressure from school, work, or family? Young adults often come to therapy feeling stuck, anxious, or unsure of their identity. My ideal young adult client wants to feel more grounded but isn’t sure how. I help them explore these questions while teaching practical skills for stress, decision-making, and relationships. Together, we work on building resilience and confidence during this transformative stage. Adults I am also drawn to working with adults who want clarity, healing, or balance. Many of my adult clients feel weighed down by stress, disconnected from themselves, or stuck in old patterns. Some struggle with anxiety, depression, or the impact of complicated family relationships. My ideal adult client may not know exactly what change looks
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
My experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy comes from both my graduate training at Xavier and my work with children, adolescents, and adults in school and counseling settings. I’ve seen how powerful CBT can be in helping clients recognize the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In my practice, I use CBT in a flexible way. For example, with adolescents, I might start with thought records, journaling, or visual worksheets to help them identify automatic thoughts. With adults, I often integrate cognitive restructuring and behavioral activation, especially when they’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or identity-related challenges. I also like to combine CBT with creative approaches — such as using role plays, storytelling, or age-appropriate activities — so it feels less clinical and more accessible. My goal is to help clients not only challenge negative thought patterns, but also build coping skills they can use outside of sessions. I see CBT as very collaborative: I work alongside clients to set specific goals, track progress, and reinforce new skills. While I integrate other approaches as needed, CBT gives me a strong evidence-based foundation to support lasting change.