Garrett Epperson, LCSW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Garrett Epperson

Garrett Epperson

(he/him)

LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual

Hello, I'm Garrett Epperson, a 34-year-old Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Arizona and Montana. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), couples counseling, and trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR. With almost a decade of experience providing psychotherapy and over a decade working in mental health and substance abuse fields, I am skilled in addressing depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. I am dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate their mental health challenges, improve their relationships, and heal from past traumas. My approach is client-centered, empathetic, and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual or couple I work with.

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

In your first session with me, clients can expect a thoughtful and structured intake process. This initial meeting is dedicated to gathering comprehensive background information on either the individual or the couple. I focus on understanding your history and the specific circumstances that have led you to seek psychotherapy. This session is crucial for building a strong foundation of trust and rapport, which are essential for effective therapy. During this time, we will also begin to outline your initial treatment plan. This plan will detail your goals for therapy and outline the strategies we will use to achieve these objectives. The aim of this first session is not only to understand your past and present but also to set a clear direction for your future growth and healing in our subsequent sessions. This structured approach ensures that we start your therapeutic journey with a clear, mutual understanding of your aspirations and how we can collaboratively work towards achieving them.

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

As a provider, my greatest strengths lie in my capacity for empathy, honesty, and transparency, which establish a safe, trusting environment where clients feel valued and understood. My empathetic nature enables genuine connections, acknowledging clients’ feelings and experiences without judgment. Additionally, I excel in building effective therapeutic relationships across a diverse range of demographics, showcasing my adaptability and cultural competence to ensure each client feels respected and supported, irrespective of their background. My analytical skills are crucial in deciphering complex emotional and behavioral patterns, allowing for the development of targeted treatment strategies, while I also prioritize confidentiality, ensuring that all client interactions are handled with the utmost discretion and integrity. Communication is another of my key strengths, both in conveying empathy and in explaining psychological concepts in accessible terms, aiding clients in understanding their treatment journey and fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship. I am committed to continual learning, staying abreast of the latest research and advancements in psychotherapy to enhance my practice. My problem-solving skills and focus on achieving tangible outcomes meet the needs of goal-oriented clients, providing them with measurable improvements and satisfaction. Patience and perseverance underscore my dedication to clients’ long-term success, supporting them through challenging periods without losing sight of their overall goals. What sets me apart in the field of psychotherapy is my perspective as a 34-year-old male, which is relatively uncommon in a profession predominantly comprised of older females. This unique positioning allows me to bring a fresh, dynamic approach to therapy, resonating especially well with younger male clients and those who might seek a therapist who can offer a different viewpoint. My age and gender enable me to connect and empathize with a demographic that is often underrepresented in therapeutic settings, providing a comfortable space for clients who may find these attributes particularly relatable or reassuring. This distinctiveness is complemented by my rigorous training and diverse experience in mental health and substance abuse fields, which equip me to address a broad range of issues with innovative and effective therapeutic techniques. By blending my unique personal attributes with professional expertise, I offer a dis

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with almost a decade of experience, I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based approach that addresses the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. My expertise in CBT began during my graduate studies and has been enhanced through continuous professional development and practical application in therapy sessions. In practice, I tailor CBT techniques to meet the individual needs of my clients, focusing on developing skills to modify detrimental thoughts, manage emotions, and change behavioral patterns. This method empowers clients to effectively manage issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress, fostering lasting improvements in mental health and overall quality of life.

Couples Counseling

As a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Mediator through the University of Houston, I bring a comprehensive and empathetic approach to couples counseling. My mediation background provides a unique foundation that enhances my ability to facilitate communication and resolve conflicts between partners. This expertise is crucial in helping couples navigate the complexities of their relationships, fostering a deeper understanding and stronger connections. In my practice, I apply a blend of therapeutic techniques tailored to the dynamics of each relationship, emphasizing collaborative problem-solving and emotional validation. My approach not only aims to address immediate relationship issues but also equips couples with the skills needed for long-term relationship health. By creating a supportive and neutral environment, I assist couples in working through their challenges, helping them to build a resilient and fulfilling partnership.

EMDR

I integrate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) into my psychotherapy practice as a powerful tool specifically designed to help clients with trauma and PTSD. My training in EMDR has equipped me with specialized techniques to aid clients in reducing the long-lasting effects of trauma by facilitating the brain's natural healing processes. This approach is highly effective for individuals experiencing emotional distress stemming from traumatic events. Utilizing EMDR, I guide clients through a structured therapy that stimulates the brain’s ability to process memories and reduce the emotional response associated with them. This is done through bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or taps, while recalling distressing events. My goal is to help clients achieve emotional stability and improve their overall well-being by directly addressing the root causes of their trauma, not just the symptoms. This method has proven transformative, allowing clients to reclaim a sense of control and peace in their lives.

Garrett Epperson, LCSW