Hello, I am Carson Nance, a dedicated and compassionate mental health therapist specializing in children's well-being. With a deep passion for helping young minds navigate their emotional journeys, I am committed to providing a safe and supportive space where children can express themselves freely and discover their inner strength. My journey into the field of child mental health began with a strong desire to make a positive impact on the lives of young individuals. Witnessing the struggles and unique challenges children face inspired me to pursue a career focused on their psychological development and well-being. My specialized training and education have equipped me with a solid foundation in child psychology, developmental theories, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions. I continuously seek to expand my knowledge and stay up to date with the latest research and best practices in the field. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and their families. Witnessing the transformative power of therapy and seeing the resilience and growth of the children I work with is immensely rewarding. It is my heartfelt mission to help children develop the necessary tools and skills to navigate life's challenges.
The first therapy session typically involves an initial assessment, where you and I get to know each other. You'll discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, your history, and your goals. I will also explain my approach and confidentiality. It's a chance to build rapport and determine you feel it is a good fit for us to begin our work together.
Having worked with many age ranges and many different diagnoses, I feel my wide view point on mental health gives me an extensive approach to help anyone with whatever their needs are. This view allows me to tailor different therapy modalities and techniques to each client individually and specifically help you in the way that you need in order to help and grow.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by helping clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns, restructure them into more rational and positive thinking, and apply behavioral strategies to address issues. It's a structured and goal-oriented approach aimed at improving mental well-being by changing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) is a therapeutic approach used to improve the parent-child relationship and promote the child's emotional well-being. In using CPP, I work with both the child and parent to address attachment and emotional issues. I will help the parent(s) understand and respond to their child's emotional needs, creating a secure and healthy attachment. The focus is on enhancing the parent-child bond to support the child's emotional development and healing from trauma or emotional difficulties.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, client-centered counseling technique that I use to help clients resolve ambivalence and make positive changes in their lives. Some of my techniques include: Engaging the client in a non-confrontational and empathetic conversation. Eliciting the client's reasons for change and explore their ambivalence. Supporting the client in articulating their own goals and values. Encouraging the client to weigh the pros and cons of change. Assisting the client in developing a plan for change, if they decide it's necessary. My goal is to facilitate the client's intrinsic motivation to change, rather than imposing solutions or advice.
In family therapy, I work with family members to address and resolve issues within the family system. Some techniques I implement are: Facilitating open communication among family members. Helping to identify dysfunctional patterns and dynamics within the family. Assisting in understanding each member's perspective and emotions. Collaboratively develops strategies to improve relationships and resolve conflicts. Promoting positive changes that benefit the entire family system. Family therapy focuses on the family as a whole, rather than individual members, and aims to enhance family functioning and cohesion.
In mindfulness-based therapy, I incorporate mindfulness techniques to help clients manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Some typical elements I use are: Teaching clients mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing. Encouraging clients to observe their thoughts and emotions non-judgmentally. Helping clients become more present and aware of the current moment. Supporting clients in applying mindfulness to cope with stress and improve their overall well-being. Mindfulness-based therapy promotes self-awareness and emotional regulation, empowering clients to develop healthier responses to life's challenges.