I have been in private practice since 2012. I mostly see clients suffering from depression and anxiety, but I am open to other disorders. My goal from the start is to EMPOWER my clients. I only work with ages 15 to 65 years old. I work from a very practical base and help clients either change their circumstances or adjust to it. My background is in forensics as I have worked with inmates and people with criminal cases, judges, attorneys and probation officers for over 14 years. My style is nondirective in therapy. I let the client lead me as they are experts on themselves.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the very first session clients should expect to be empowered. I feel strongly that a client's recovery is achieved by what they do. I will work collaboratively with the client to achieve goals. My goal is make a client not need me anymore and walk away with the tools for life's challenges. Clients should expect from me non-judgement, empathy and space for them to live and speak their truth. My agreement is not required but my acceptance is.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I consider myself to be eclectic in my approach. However, I use a lot cognitive behavioral techniques, challenging faulty beliefs and questioning if one's beliefs are still useful today. I am very logical, and sometimes there may not be a theory that fits. I meet the client where they are. Theories are not facts.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My strengths are meeting the client where they are; being a good listener; restating what the client has said to ensure comprehension and being client focused. I see myself as working for the client and being a teacher and a student. My background is in forensics but I do not use it much in private practice. I love discussing Black male issues and social inequalities of the non-dominate society. I pride myself in being open to whatever the client wants to discuss knowing we may/may not resolve the issue. I offer my clients a safe space to vent their frustrations and be authentic. Lastly, I invite clients to share their faith in session as this can be a support. I'm well-versed in the Bible and only use it with the client's permission.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I mostly work with adults, but I will see teens 15 years old and older. I enjoy having men attend session as it gives me an opportunity to further empower them and destigmatize going to therapy. I am open to Christian counseling, people who have been incarcerated and the African American community.
About Terry Porter
Terry Porter offers therapy covered by Blue Shield of California - Medi-Cal, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Health Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Orange County Mental Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal) and San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) in California.