Hello, I'm Zelda. I am so thrilled that you came across my page. I do not believe that it was a coincidence. I have been in the education and counseling field for 30+ years as an elementary school teacher, middle school counselor, and contractor for various mental health agencies. Within my career path, it has equipped me with an understanding of the vitalness of genuineness and creating a "safe place." People are hurting and empty inside and it is going to take more than "coaching" but truly equipping individuals with "tried and true" evidence-based practices to help a person maintain living above their situation. I truly believe with my combination of experience in both areas that I bring a wealth of skills that provide evidence-based treatments which result in positive clinical outcomes. I look forward to experiencing this journey with you.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
My first session mainly involves providing a person-centered approach by focusing on the client and their needs for services. This involves reviewing the client's intake form, assessments, etc. but mainly creating a safe space for the client to open up and share.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
With my clients, I come from a strength-based approach unlocking inner strengths that are already implanted within an individual. I truly believe that we already have the resources that we need to face any life situation inside of us it is just a matter of not allowing those "outside" forces to get inside of our hearts and minds. "For as he thinketh, in his heart so is he." "Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life." (NCV translation) As human beings, we were created to live life more abundantly to the full till it overflows. My years of working with families within the education and counseling field have equipped me in understanding that the bottom line of all human existence is being whole in all areas, spirit, mind, and body which impacts us and others.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
With my background in education and therapy services as a provider, I mainly serve adolescents and middle-aged adults.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I am learning that anxiety, depression, etc., are all ways of describing our natural human responses to adversity and experiences of life that we can overcome with the right understanding and tools. Therefore, my preferred method of treatment is CBT. The CBT approach is an approach that helps the individual understand that the situation itself does not cause distress, but the interpretation and our response to the situation. In this approach, we will tackle "messy thinking" and learn ways to manage the power of our minds to help promote healthy emotions and be content and peaceful as individuals. This approach is effective for all ages because the outcome of our lives starts with how we think.
Christian Counseling
As a Christian, I have found the effectiveness of incorporating spiritual practices with psychotherapy due to most individuals identifying with some type of spiritual practice as part of their values and beliefs. People find strength and meaning in their spiritual beliefs; therefore, as a therapist, being able to integrate spiritual and psychological approaches, individuals can experience a more holistic path to healing and personal growth.
Strength-Based
I integrate this approach frequently with CBT and spiritual practices. I believe that everyone has inherent strengths and abilities within us that, through life's challenges, can get us out of "alignment." Therefore, instead of focusing on the problem, I use this approach to help the person identify their abilities, capabilities, and resources that already exist inside of them. It is already there, or you would not be here today. It is just reframing and deconstructing what you believe about yourself.