Naesha Wells

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

Employing ACT with diverse populations, such as individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, or trauma. Tailoring the techniques to fit client needs is key. For instance: With clients experiencing chronic anxiety, I might focus on acceptance strategies and mindfulness to reduce struggle with unwanted thoughts. For individuals with depressive symptoms, values-based action can help create motivation and direction.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Employing CBT with diverse populations such individuals, couples, or families with social anxiety identify catastrophic thoughts about judgment by others and guide them through exposure exercises to build confidence. Working identify and combat cognitive distortions like “I’m a failure,” while implementing behavioral activation to re-engage with meaningful activities. Used cognitive restructuring to address guilt and shame related to traumatic events and incorporated grounding techniques to manage distress.

Couples Counseling

Helping couples struggling with frequent arguments to identify their negative communication cycle. Introduced techniques to improve active listening and reduce defensiveness, fostering more productive discussions. Guided a couple through the stages of rebuilding trust after an affair. This included addressing the underlying causes of the betrayal, developing a clear plan for transparency, and fostering emotional reconnection. Assisted an engaged couple in exploring values, expectations, and potential areas of conflict to create a strong foundation for their marriage.

Family Therapy

Worked with a family struggling with a teenager’s oppositional behavior. Focused on improving parent-teen communication and creating consistent household rules. Assisted a stepfamily in navigating conflicts over roles and loyalty. Facilitated conversations about expectations and built shared traditions to foster unity. Supported a family recovering from the loss of a loved one. Focused on creating space for grief, improving emotional support, and re-establishing routines.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

Helped a client with intense anger learn mindfulness techniques to pause before reacting and use emotional regulation tools like "Opposite Action." Guided a client through role-playing difficult conversations, using DEAR MAN to assert needs without escalating conflicts.