Hola! Thanks for stopping by and taking time to see if we could be a good team. I am a first generation, Mexican American Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) currently offering virtual services in English and Spanish to teens and young adults in IL. I have been practicing for 8 years and enjoy helping my clients work through anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions and challenges in school.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our first meeting, we will begin with reviewing logistics and answering any questions you might have about the therapeutic process. We will discuss what's been going on in life that led to your decision to seek out therapy and explore what you are looking to get out of our work together. I'll share my approach to therapy, so you have an idea of what to expect from me to ensure that we are a good fit for one another and the vibe is right. If for whatever reason we determine we are not a good match at any point throughout the first few sessions, I will do my best to help you find someone who can better meet your needs. Please never feel bad or hesitant to express this to me if I don’t notice it myself. The relationship between you and your therapist is one of the most important parts of an enjoyable, effective therapeutic experience.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
In my work with adolescents and young adults, I have found it helpful and effective to help you identify specific challenges, develop an understanding of how and why things may seem so difficult in the moment, and learn to address them using techniques that target both mental and physical health as they are intricately connected. In addition to traditional therapeutic approaches, I am ablet to incorporate my training in integrative mental health to address nutrition and other aspects of physical health when appropriate to help you learn how these factors can enhance mental health outcomes we are working toward. As a former school counselor, I am aware of the challenges students face at school and the ways in which the systems in place can impact them. Because of that, I find it useful to connect with teachers, school counselors and other staff in order to best address school related issues if and when appropriate. I strive to make my clients feel comfortable and safe throughout sessions--whatever that means and looks like for you. Dress comfortably, be in a comfortable space (bed, desk, couch, on a walk, in the car--whatever you feel that day!) and have a snack and/or something to drink. Anything that will help you feel more at ease and make this time an opportunity for self-care. I understand that we often have busy days and may be squeezing sessions in, so whatever you need to do to make it work, works for me. You will notice that I myself like to feel comfortable during sessions and will follow similar guidelines I provide to you.
About Veronica Palar
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT almost daily as this approach to therapy focuses on helping people to manage emotions and improve their relationships by combining cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness. We focus on developing skills in four main areas (mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness) to help improve quality of daily life. DBT techniques are effective in helping individuals cope with crisis, manage impulsivity, understand and manage emotions, improve communication, build healthy relationships and build self-awareness.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT is another approach to therapy that is applicable in everyday life and used in sessions frequently to help build resilience and meaning in life. I use ACT techniques to encourage individuals to accept and learn how to deal with difficult thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or avoiding them. ACT works well in combination with DBT as one of its key aspects is mindfulness. In sessions, we use ACT techniques to help improve abilities to notice thoughts and feelings, make decisions that make sense for you and identify steps to overcome challenges in life.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
As one of the most widely used therapeutic approaches, I utilize aspects of CBT to help clients identify unhelpful thought cycles and understand their impact on mood and behavior. Clients learn and practice CBT techniques that work for them to help improve mood and behave in ways to feel better.