Hello. My name is Christian Cruz-Ayala. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I have been in the helping profession for over 10 years. This is a journey that has been personally and professionally rewarding. It has provided much growth to me as an individual in my personal life as well as in my professional life. I graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Psychology and Sociology. I then pursue a Masters in Counseling at Webster University. I have gained experience working in a crisis unit, working in inpatient substance abuse treatment. I then gain employment at a local methadone clinic where I was able to provide counseling services to individuals with an opiate addiction. Later on I began my journey in working with children, adolescents/teenagers, young adults and adults, which has now become my passion.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, go over some policies and expectations. Then will discuss the current challenges and I will gather some history to be able to get to know you more. Then together we will work on developing goals that you want to achieve and develop a plan.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
In working with this population I have learn to be empathetic and understanding of their human condition. This has allow me to be able to gather the words that speak to them and truly do help them start to make changes. It also allows them to have someone that is on their side and is a cheerleader for them.
About Christian Cruz-Ayala
Christian Cruz-Ayala offers therapy covered by UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Florida.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
This is a treatment that I use to help those dealing with anxiety and depression work on changing their thought process to better improve their mood. I like to educate the patient on their own thoughts and how those influence their mood.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
This is a treatment modality that I use to educate the clients on how to be present in the here and now. I feel that all humans tend to live very fast paced life and are in different places all at once, with this approach we are able to stop that an focus on the here.
Motivational Interviewing
This treatment modality is effective in exploring with the client where they are in their journey of making changes or what is preventing them from making changes. This is useful is educating the clients in the different stages of change and helping them move though those.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
This treatment modality allows the client to feel as though they are in control of their therapy time. I allow the client to come into therapy and discuss whatever is bothering them in that moment. I work on seeing things through their perspective and their point of view.