My name is Kristy Verma, LPCC #13286, and I am a doctoral student working towards an Ed.D in Educational Leadership. I aim to increase mental health services at our educational institutions to support students’ educational journeys better. I am a highly motivated mental health professional and am genuinely passionate about helping others heal and improve their mental health. I am a passionate LPCC with a long-standing commitment to reducing stigma in mental health and education. As an LPCC, and while working towards a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, I want to create, implement, and promote mental health services and create awareness of how mental health services are essential. I believe what drives me to do this work is being able to witness how therapy has helped and allowed clients to overcome their mental health challenges. My journey as a therapist showcases the choices I have made, the opportunities I have been given, the assets I possess, the areas of growth I still possess, and the forever path I see for myself being a therapist. I have empowered myself to believe that Mental Health is neither Eastern nor Western; it is human.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

I invite you to a safe space to discuss any problems impacting your emotional well-being. I want you to be heard and understand therapy is a non-judgment zone for you to share triggers impacting your mental health. I want you to understand your voice and thoughts matter, and I empower you to believe in yourself. I encourage you and challenge you within our therapy sessions to build that self-confidence so that you feel more in control of your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. I support clients struggling with various mental health disorders, including mood, personality, and trauma. I approach goal setting from a collaborative perspective. I believe goal setting is unique and an experience formulated differently for every client. I want goals to be a team approach, and I will prioritize my client’s needs by setting long-term and short-term goals.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

I believe all therapists have their unique approach to therapy. My therapeutic approach starts with building a therapeutic bond and continues through various techniques I utilize, from CBT, DBT, Person-Centered, Trauma-Focused, Reality therapy, Gestalt, etc., modalities. My goal is to support my clients with the best therapeutic approach that adapts to their current mental health symptoms and interpersonal or intrapersonal problems they are struggling with.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My biggest strength is that I am a learner. My experiences as an Indian (Hindu/Sikh) female have led me to believe in the importance of being culturally competent is essential not only in my career but also in my social, academic, and personal life. I have and continue to seek skills and education to support children and families who come from various cultures, socioeconomic statuses, family support systems, ages, gender, and national origin. I understand the collectivist and individual societies clients identify with.

About Kristy Verma