Are you feeling anxious or overwhelmed by the pressures in your life? Do you find yourself exhausted by your efforts to make others happy while losing yourself in the process? Are relationships, parenting, or world events weighing heavily on your mind? Do you need a safe space to explore how to feel happier and at peace in your life? If any or all of those scenarios sound familiar, I'm here to help. :) Hi there! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience in the counseling field. I hold specialty certifications in trauma and substance abuse, however, I enjoy working with a diverse population of patients. I offer flexible scheduling options to established patients (including evening appointment options). I have served a wide and diverse client base with various treatment concerns including anxiety, depression/mood disorders, traumatic experiences, relationship and peer concerns, grief processing, self-esteem issues, parenting challenges, and life coaching. My counseling style is non-judgmental and supportive. My objective is to support each client in the pursuit of their identified goals and to empower them to live the life they envision for themselves.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first session is largely focused on building trust and providing a safe place to express your thoughts and identify the areas for growth. Subsequent sessions are for continued processing, assessing progress, addressing new challenges or concerns, and refining or adjusting treatment goals and interventions as needed. My hope is that you leave each of our sessions feeling better than when you arrived, and with something to reflect on until our next meeting.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I believe good communication is a key component in getting your needs met. I encourage clients to ask any questions they have and to clarify or correct me when needed. We work in partnership to help you flourish, and I strive to provide a warm and welcoming environment to achieve that. Focusing on creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you can share and process your emotions allows us to work together to achieve the goals you have for yourself. We are all works in progress, and it takes an immense amount of courage to accept and honor every aspect of growth, no matter how small or hard-won. I look forward to helping you on your journey towards a healthier, happier you!
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I enjoy working with a diverse population of clients, including those dealing with anxiety, depression or mood disorders, self-esteem issues, phase of life transitions, women's issues, relationship concerns, traumatic experiences, and parenting. I'm an inclusive and non-judgmental practitioner who welcomes all people regardless of race, gender (assigned at birth or chosen), ethnicity, or problems they are facing. I'm looking forward to working with you!
About Stephanie Gerard, LMHC, NCC, CCTP, MCAP
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidenced based talk therapy that assists in managing stressors or problems by teaching people to notice and adapt their thoughts and behaviors. It's used to treat a variety of mental health conditions (PTSD, OCD, depression, and anxiety), as well as some physical health problems (pain, fatigue, and low motivation).
Supportive
Supportive therapy, also known as supportive psychotherapy, is a type of therapy that helps people manage symptoms and emotional distress. Supportive therapy relies on the therapeutic alliance to alleviate symptoms, improve self-esteem, regulate impulses and negative thinking, and reinforce the ability to cope with life stressors and challenges. It is highly effective in rebuilding self esteem, regulating emotional responses, and improving overall resiliency.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a treatment program that helps people manage or better regulate their emotions and cope with mental health conditions. It was originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), but has been found to be highly effective with dissipating anger episodes or reactivity, managing impulsivity, and coping with the distressing after effects of traumatic events/circumstances.