Shenay Toles
Shenay Toles
(she/her)
Hello! I'm Shenay, a dedicated therapist passionate about helping individuals navigate their mental health journey. With a compassionate, client-centered approach, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings. My therapeutic style is grounded in evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Therapy, tailored to meet your unique needs. I believe in the power of building a strong therapeutic relationship and working collaboratively towards your goals. Together, we will focus on enhancing your well-being, fostering resilience, and empowering you to lead a fulfilling and balanced life. I look forward to supporting you on this journey and helping you achieve positive and lasting change.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session we'll start with a brief introduction to get to know each other. This helps build a comfortable and trusting environment. I will ask you about the reasons you're seeking therapy and what you hope to achieve. This helps us focus on your specific needs and goals. We’ll explore your background, including any significant life events, medical history, and previous experiences with therapy. This provides context for your current concerns.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
1. Empathy and Compassion I strive to create a warm, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and understood. Building genuine connections is at the heart of my practice. 2. Evidence-Based Practices I use proven, research-backed methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to tailor treatment plans to each client's unique needs. 3. Client-Centered Approach I prioritize my clients' goals and preferences, ensuring that their voices guide the therapeutic process. This collaborative approach empowers clients to take an active role in their healing journey. 4. Adaptability I continuously adapt my techniques and strategies to suit each individual, recognizing that one size does not fit all in therapy. 5. Strong Communication Skills I excel at clear, compassionate communication, helping clients articulate their thoughts and feelings effectively while providing feedback and support in an understandable manner. 6. Commitment to Growth I am dedicated to my professional development, staying updated with the latest advancements in mental health to provide the best care possible. 7. Holistic Perspective I consider the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—when developing treatment plans, integrating mindfulness and other holistic practices to enhance overall well-being. These strengths enable me to provide high-quality, personalized care and support my clients in achieving their goals and improving their quality of life.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
Hello and welcome! I'm so glad you've taken this step towards improving your mental health. Let me share a bit about how I can support you on your journey. I specialize in helping individuals from all walks of life, including those in early adulthood through midlife, navigate the complexities of anxiety, trauma, depression, and major life transitions. My passion lies in working with those who seek to enhance their relationships and overall well-being. My Approach: I use a range of evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). These methods are designed to help you understand and transform your thoughts and behaviors, build emotional resilience, and develop healthier relationships.
About Shenay Toles
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, I employ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a foundational approach to support my clients in understanding and transforming their thought patterns and behaviors. CBT is an evidence-based treatment method that focuses on the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, allowing clients to gain insight into how their cognitions influence their actions and emotional well-being. In my practice, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand and change their thought patterns and behaviors. Assessment and Goal Setting: I start with a thorough assessment to identify issues and collaboratively set clear, achievable goals. Cognitive Restructuring: I assist clients in recognizing and challenging negative thoughts, replacing them with balanced, rational ones. Behavioral Interventions: By encouraging participation in positive activities and reducing avoidance behaviors, clients can improve their mood and satisfaction. Skill Development: Clients learn practical coping strategies, such as relaxation techniques and problem-solving skills, to manage stress and anxiety. Homework and Practice: I assign homework to practice new behaviors and thought patterns in daily life, reinforcing session learnings. Review and Adjustment: Regular progress reviews and feedback ensure that the treatment remains effective and responsive to clients' needs. Termination and Relapse Prevention: Upon achieving goals, we plan for termination and discuss relapse prevention to maintain progress.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
In my practice, I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients embrace their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them. Core Concepts: ACT focuses on six core processes: acceptance, cognitive defusion, being present, self as context, values, and committed action. Assessment and Goal Setting: I start by understanding the client's values and defining clear, meaningful goals that align with these values. Acceptance and Defusion: I guide clients to accept their thoughts and feelings, reducing the impact and influence of negative thoughts through cognitive defusion techniques. Mindfulness: By encouraging mindfulness, clients learn to stay present and engaged with the current moment, reducing the influence of past and future worries. Values Clarification: We explore and clarify personal values, using them as a compass for making meaningful life changes. Committed Action: Clients are supported in taking concrete steps towards their values-based goals, even in the presence of challenging thoughts and feelings. Review and Adjustment: Regular reviews ensure that the therapy remains effective and aligned with the client's evolving needs and values. By integrating these ACT principles, I help clients build psychological flexibility and live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Motivational Interviewing
In my practice, I utilize Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients resolve ambivalence and enhance their motivation to make positive changes. Client-Centered Approach: MI is a client-centered, directive method that involves engaging clients in a collaborative conversation, honoring their autonomy and fostering their intrinsic motivation for change. Key Techniques: 1. Open-Ended Questions: I ask open-ended questions to explore clients' thoughts and feelings, encouraging deeper reflection. 2. Affirmations: I provide affirmations to recognize clients' strengths and efforts, building their confidence. 3. Reflective Listening: I use reflective listening to understand clients' perspectives and reinforce their self-awareness. 4. Summarizing: I summarize key points to ensure understanding and highlight progress. Change Talk: I focus on eliciting and reinforcing 'change talk,' where clients express their desire, ability, reasons, and need for change. Guiding, Not Directing: Rather than directing, I guide clients through their ambivalence, helping them identify and align with their values and goals. Empowerment: By empowering clients to take ownership of their change process, MI fosters long-lasting and meaningful transformation
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
In my practice, I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help clients build stronger emotional bonds and improve their relationships. Understanding Emotions: EFT focuses on understanding and expressing emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Attachment Theory: Grounded in attachment theory, EFT helps clients identify and change negative interaction patterns that disrupt emotional bonds. Three Stages of EFT: De-escalation: Identify and understand problematic interactions and emotional responses. Restructuring Interactions: Encourage clients to express their needs and fears, fostering new ways of interacting. Consolidation: Reinforce positive changes and develop new interaction patterns. Emotional Engagement: By fostering emotional engagement, clients can create secure, lasting emotional connections. Healing Relationships: EFT aims to heal and strengthen relationships, enhancing emotional closeness and security.
Psychoeducation
In my practice, I integrate psychoeducation to empower clients with knowledge about their mental health. Core Components: Information Sharing: I provide clients with clear, understandable information about their diagnoses, treatment options, and strategies for managing symptoms. Skill Development: I teach practical skills, such as stress management techniques and coping strategies, to help clients handle their challenges effectively. Support and Resources: I offer resources, including reading materials and support groups, to enhance clients' understanding and support their journey. Empowerment: By increasing clients' awareness and understanding of their mental health, psychoeducation fosters self-efficacy and promotes active participation in their treatment.