New to Grow
Hello! My name is Jeannie, a licensed therapist specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD and the developmental disabilities field. I've been a social worker for 10 years, helping navigate life's challenges and achieve goals. My approach is collaborative, strengths based and client-centered, creating a safe space to explore emotions and coping skills. I focus on empowering one to build awareness, resilience and self-worth. My therapeutic approach involves a combination of CBT, DBT, ACT, with focus on education for coping and mindfulness. I look forward to helping you improve your well-being!
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During your first session, it will be pretty low-pressure, we will get more oriented before diving into the deep end. We will go over paperwork and basics (logistics of therapy); you will have a chance to ask all therapy related questions! We will address "What brings you here?". We will get to know each other (discussing some personal history, mental health history, current struggles, etc.). We will discuss some goals (it's okay if they are not clear goals!) We will also discuss what your expectations with therapy are and next steps.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Therapy with me is typically pretty casual, I take a collaborative and practical approach. We talk, and we work. I focus on understanding patterns from your past and how they show up now. I am strengths based, and I like to integrate your strengths into how we can improve your well-being. I do a lot of education on coping and relaxation! Most importantly, I check in regularly to see what's working and what's not. You are in control of the pace. I adjust my approach depending on what you need.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I have experience working with clients who experience with a wide range of needs, including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, general consultation and the Developmental Disabilities field. I take a goal oriented, strengths based and client centered approach. Together, we can collectively come up with a sensible, measurable and achievable outcome and work on it together!
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I work with clients to identify unhelpful thoughts, challenge and reframe them into more realistic ones, and thereby changing behaviors that keep problems going. We practice skills through exercises and homework, not just talking.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT emphasizes on emotions, relationships and coping with intense feelings. In DBT, we balance two things: acceptance and change. We focus on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
In ACT, instead of trying to eliminate difficult thoughts or feelings, we focus on accepting them as part of being human, unhooking from thoughts that run one's life, and committing to actions guided by one's values.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
In my practice, I use a lot of mindfulness practices- paying attention to the present moment, on purpose, without judgement, to improve mental health and well-being. Instead of trying to fix or get rid of thoughts and feelings, we utilize exercises to help notice them, relate to them differently and respond more skillfully.