I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) with over 15 years of experience dedicated to helping clients reprogram maladaptive ways of thinking, feeling, and acting. My approach integrates evidence-based therapies such as CBT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to support clients in overcoming challenges and achieving their mental health goals. I create a compassionate and collaborative environment, empowering individuals to find healing, resilience, and fulfillment in their lives.
In your first session with me, you can expect a warm and welcoming environment where you can feel safe to share your thoughts and feelings. We will begin by discussing what brings you to therapy and what you hope to achieve. I will ask about your history and any specific challenges you are facing. This session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and get to know me better. Together, we will start to identify your goals and develop a plan for how we can work towards them. My aim is to create a collaborative and supportive space where you feel understood and empowered from the very beginning.
As a provider, my greatest strengths lie in my empathy, experience, and integrative approach to therapy. I bring over 15 years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), allowing me to draw from a wide range of evidence-based techniques tailored to meet each client's unique needs. My ability to create a safe, non-judgmental space helps clients feel comfortable and understood, fostering a strong therapeutic relationship. Additionally, my skills in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapies, motivational interviewing, and faith-based therapy enable me to effectively support clients in overcoming challenges, reprogramming maladaptive patterns, and achieving personal growth and healing.
Roy Woods offers therapy covered by Medicaid - Peach State Health Plan and Peach State Health Plan (Managed Medicaid) in Georgia.
How I Use CBT in My Practice: Identifying and Challenging Negative Thoughts: I work with clients to identify negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to their emotional distress. Through guided discussions and exercises, we challenge these thoughts and replace them with more balanced and positive perspectives. Developing Coping Strategies: Together, we develop practical coping strategies to manage symptoms and improve day-to-day functioning. This includes techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and problem-solving skills that clients can use in their daily lives. Setting Realistic Goals: Goal-setting is a crucial component of CBT. I help clients set realistic and achievable goals that are aligned with their values and aspirations. We break down larger goals into manageable steps, making it easier to track progress and celebrate successes. Behavioral Activation: For clients experiencing depression or low motivation, we focus on increasing engagement in meaningful activities. By scheduling enjoyable and fulfilling activities, clients can experience improvements in mood and overall well-being. Skills Training: I provide training in specific skills that can enhance clients' ability to cope with stress and handle challenging situations. This includes communication skills, assertiveness training, and time management techniques.
How I Use Mindfulness-Based Therapies in My Practice: Mindfulness Meditation: I guide clients through mindfulness meditation practices, which involve focusing attention on the present moment without judgment. This helps reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance emotional regulation. Breathing Exercises: Teaching clients various breathing techniques to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. These exercises can be easily integrated into daily routines, providing a powerful tool for managing stress. Body Awareness: Through practices such as body scans and mindful movement, clients develop greater awareness of physical sensations. This can help in identifying and releasing tension, as well as fostering a deeper connection between mind and body. Acceptance and Commitment: Incorporating principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I help clients accept their thoughts and feelings without trying to change them. This approach encourages clients to commit to actions that align with their values and goals. Mindful Self-Compassion: Teaching clients to practice self-compassion, which involves treating themselves with kindness and understanding during difficult times. This practice can reduce self-criticism and enhance overall well-being. Integration into Daily Life: I work with clients to integrate mindfulness practices into their daily lives, making mindfulness a practical and accessible tool for managing everyday stressors. This includes mindful eating, walking, and even mindful communication.
How I Use Motivational Interviewing in My Practice: Building a Collaborative Relationship: I prioritize creating a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment. This collaborative relationship is the foundation of MI and helps clients feel understood and respected. Exploring Ambivalence: Many clients feel stuck due to conflicting feelings about change. I help clients explore this ambivalence by discussing the pros and cons of their current behaviors and the changes they wish to make. Enhancing Intrinsic Motivation: Through open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations, I assist clients in identifying their own reasons for change. This approach empowers clients by connecting change to their values and goals. Developing Discrepancy: I help clients see the gap between their current behaviors and their desired outcomes. By highlighting this discrepancy, clients become more motivated to bridge the gap through positive changes. Supporting Self-Efficacy: Encouraging clients to believe in their ability to change is crucial. I provide support and build clients’ confidence by acknowledging their strengths, past successes, and potential for growth. Setting Realistic Goals: Together, we set specific, achievable goals that align with the client’s values and desired changes. This step-by-step approach makes the change process more manageable and less overwhelming
How I Use Faith-Based Therapy in My Practice: Integrating Spirituality and Counseling: I work with clients to explore how their faith and spirituality can be a source of strength, comfort, and guidance in their lives. This involves discussing spiritual beliefs, practices, and values that are important to the client. Faith-Based Coping Strategies: I help clients develop coping strategies that are aligned with their faith. This may include prayer, meditation, scripture reading, and participation in faith communities. Addressing Spiritual Concerns: Many clients face spiritual struggles or questions that impact their mental health. I provide a safe space to explore these concerns and find resolutions that are consistent with their beliefs. Fostering Hope and Resilience: Faith can be a powerful source of hope and resilience. I support clients in finding inspiration and encouragement through their spiritual beliefs, which can help them navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence. Ethical and Value-Based Decisions: I assist clients in making decisions that are aligned with their ethical and moral values, providing guidance that respects their faith traditions and promotes overall well-being. Community and Support: Encouraging clients to engage with their faith communities can provide additional support and a sense of belonging. I help clients identify and connect with supportive faith-based resources.
How I Use Grief Therapy in My Practice: Creating a Safe Space: I provide a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel safe to express their grief. This space allows clients to explore their emotions openly and without fear of criticism. Understanding the Grief Process: I educate clients about the different stages of grief and the range of emotions they may experience. Understanding that grief is a unique and non-linear process helps clients normalize their feelings and reduce self-criticism. Emotional Expression and Validation: Encouraging clients to express their emotions is crucial. I listen actively and validate their feelings, helping them to process their grief and move towards acceptance. Memory Work and Remembrance: I help clients find meaningful ways to honor and remember their loved ones. This may include creating memory books, writing letters, or other personal rituals that provide comfort and connection. Building Resilience and Coping Skills: Together, we develop coping strategies to manage the emotional and physical symptoms of grief. Techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and journaling can help clients navigate their grief journey. Addressing Complicated Grief: For those experiencing complicated grief, where the pain of loss is debilitating and persistent, I offer specialized support to help clients process their emotions and begin to heal. Integrating Loss into Life: Grief often involves finding a new normal. I assist clients in integrating their loss into their lives, helping them find ways to move forward while keeping the memory of their loved one alive.