We live in a fast passed society, and it can be hard to keep up with all of our various life roles and responsibilities. Those who are making mental health a priority in their lives are notably the most satisfied and happy individuals in our American culture. I am a social worker by trade, and I have been a licensed clinician for over 20 years. I offer my clients a safe space to express their feelings, get to know themselves on a deeper level, and learn skills to take control of their thoughts and emotions. I guide my clients at their own pace to define and achieve their therapy goals. I believe that all people have it within themselves to optimize their own growth and success in all areas of life. Guiding you in your effort to achieve your definition of personal success and satisfaction is the ultimate objective.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During the first session, my clients will meet a non-judgmental listener who will ask some simple questions that are designed to help clients feel comfortable with discussing their reason for seeking out therapy. I will explain the limitations around confidentiality, and we will discuss further therapy sessions including time and frequency.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a therapist I am very invested in helping my clients understand themselves in an effort to optimize their personal satisfaction, self-esteem, and happiness. I can listen without judgement and ask neutral questions that prompt my clients to self-reflect. I will frequently check in with my clients to get their feedback regarding my guidance. I am very mindful of the impact that past trauma can have on one's psyche so I will not push clients into processing their feelings until they are ready. I understand the basis of anxiety and I can teach my clients to work through their fears and harness their willpower. I can teach my clients step by step methods for managing stress and problem-solving. Adjusting the way you think about and perceive your worries or problem areas can be the key in altering how you manage situations to your benefit. My primary goal as a therapist is to provide my clients with a safe space to be vulnerable and grow as a person.
About Carrie Parr
Serves ages
Licensed in
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Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have seen great success with cognitive behavior therapy. This approach involves identifying patterns of thinking that are counterproductive and learning new to methods of thinking that are productive and aid in altering behavior and feelings to the client's optimal benefit. This therapeutic method also builds self-esteem and confidence. This method is often successful with clients who are struggling with getting control of their emotions, intense anxiety and/or addiction.
Trauma Informed Care
I have a deep understanding of the physiological impact that trauma can have on the individual psyche. We now recognize that PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) doesn't affect just military war veterans. Trauma is experienced in a variety of settings and human interactions. Many years ago, during graduate school, I learned about the importance of Trauma Informed Care. Since then, I have been attending annual continuing education seminars to insure I remain current with the newest practices in the area of trauma and how to reduce the risks of retraumatizing clients during the therapeutic process. Providing my clients a safe space to process their feelings and grow is my priority as a therapist.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
This is a great therapeutic approach for individuals who struggle with managing interpersonal relationships and symptoms associated with Personality Disorders. I was trained in the facilitation of DBT in 2005 while working in a community outpatient clinic. The approach is designed to help people develop the skills for managing intense emotions and navigating interpersonal and social relationships. It is continually aimed at managing opposing emotions and investigating the truth behind powerful negative emotions. Several years later, in 2016, I became familiar with The Skills System, which is a similar approach to DBT. The Skills System is an adaptation of DBT for clients who respond to a more concrete approach to developing the same skills that are taught through DBT.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing is a counseling method that is focused on helping people who are struggling with making important changes in their life. Initially, this method was focused on helping clients address substance abuse and other addictions. We have learned that MI is also successful in helping people in resolving ambivalent feelings or insecurities; helping them see the misalignment in their values and behaviors so they can find the personal motivation needed to commit to behavior changes. It is a practical, empathetic, and flexible process that addresses how difficult it is to commit to change.
Positive Psychology
For the past 8 years, the majority of my clients were ordered by a criminal court order into inpatient mental health treatment for long term sentences. I ran Positive Psychology groups with the individuals, focusing on the basic things that make life more fulfilling. It focuses on behaviors, character strengths, and thought patterns that lead to a more positive frame of mind and a life with meaning and purpose. It aims to discover and promote the factors that allow individuals to enhance their life experiences and find peace and balance, even in difficult situations.