Hello, I'm Justin. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by stress and life's complexities? Many do, and it's more common than you might think. Life's challenges can leave us feeling exhausted, anxious, and disconnected. But remember, you're not alone in this journey. As a Licensed Professional Counselor offering virtual therapy in Virginia, my role is to walk with you in creating a safe, empowering space. Together, we'll explore and employ a range of therapeutic techniques tailored to your unique needs. My goal? To help you navigating the intricacies of life and forge meaningful connections — with others and with yourself. In therapy, we uncover the roots of your stress, lighten your emotional load, and find strength in support and understanding. It's about building resilience and rediscovering your inner balance. If you're reading this, you've already taken a brave first step. You recognize the need for change and understand that carrying the burden alone isn't the only way. If you're ready to move forward, to cultivate lasting change and greater self-awareness, I'm here to guide you. Reach out, and let's start this transformative journey together.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Your first session will be slightly longer than follow-up sessions, lasting a little over an hour. This initial session is crucial in laying the foundation for our therapeutic relationship. We'll start with a brief introduction. It's important for you to feel comfortable and informed, so I'll spend time going over the informed consent, which includes therapy risks and benefits, scheduling, billing, and other logistical details. Understanding the importance of privacy, I'll explain the confidentiality aspect of our sessions, ensuring a safe and trusting environment for you to share your thoughts and feelings. Then we'll delve into intake questions to gather your background information. This is a key step in understanding where you're coming from and what brings you to therapy. Towards the end, we'll be able to focus on your main concerns. It's okay if you're not entirely clear about these yet; identifying them is part of the process. Although we'll fine-tune your therapy goals in subsequent sessions, we may begin this discussion in our first meeting.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I enjoy using a variety of tools to find relief and clarity including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT; analyzing our thoughts and feelings), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (ACT and DBT; accepting our thoughts and feelings), and Internal Family Systems (IFS; developing a deeper understanding and ability to manage our thoughts and feelings). This flexible approach ensures that our therapy is tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My therapy style is grounded in understanding and empathy, but I'm also committed to gently challenging you to recognize and shift negative thought patterns. If you are looking for a therapist who will listen to you with a coldness that eliminates emotions, I am not the therapist for you. If you are looking for a therapist that will not challenge you or point out negative thought patterns, it would be best to look elsewhere. If you're ready to embrace a journey of self-discovery and growth, to work towards becoming the best version of yourself, I am here to support and empower you every step of the way.