19 years of experience
I have experience providing mental health counseling to children and adults experiencing issues with depression, panic, anxiety, trauma, military history, fluctuating mood, obsessive-compulsive anxiety, attention deficit / hyperactivity concerns, vocational and occupational stressors, developmental difficulties, communication and interpersonal functioning, hallucinations and delusional thoughts, behavioral acting out, gender / identity, financial stressors, legal concerns, and substance use disorders / addiction.
CBT focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; and how our thoughts influence and shape our feelings, and then our resulting reaction to these feelings. By focusing on this connection, we can work to find the source of these negative and maladaptive thinking patterns that lead to corresponding emotions and actions. By working to change these irrational thoughts into more rational ones, we can encourage less stress in daily life, improved quality of life and relationships, and better communication, as well as more adaptive thought patterns.
When you see this word, please don't immediately think of the mainstream perception portrayed typically in social media. But, what you can think of, is Feminist Theory, old school if you will, which focuses on EMPOWERMENT FOR CHANGE. Change can be scary and intimidating. Here, we will focus on positive self-care activities, hobbies, seeking interests, and what makes you feel content and happy. Feminist Theory also encourages an individual to focus on identifying and utilizing their strengths to work towards goals and aspirations.
Solution Focused methods can be used in the short-term, with the more immediate and pressing concerns and issues, in an effort to alleviate the presenting stressors. This can be helpful for identifying issues and potential solutions.