My name is Debbie Thigpen and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both North and South Carolina. I believe in approaching therapy from an integrated perspective. Family, work, medical and psychological needs are all connected together. That is why I like to get a very complete history on your first visit. So we will explore those areas and come up with the best treatment plan possible. Remember we are a team.
On your first visit you can expect: 1. Discuss what brings you to therapy 2. A complete history of behavioral health, medical health, family, and substance abuse 3. Screenings for depression, anxiety, and mood disorders 4. What you would like to get out of therapy. 5. We jointly come up with a treatment plan which we will start on your second visit with me.
I feel that one of my greatest strengths is being a good listener. If I am not hearing what you are saying than we aren't going to make any progress. I am also very laid back in my treatment style. I feel this makes it easier for us to communicate. I use several different treatment modalities which is tailored to the client I am seeing. I want you to feel like you can trust me and be able to speak freely about anything that is on your mind. Remember we are a team. If the therapist and the client can't work together than progress can't be made.
My areas of expertise are in Integrated Behavioral Healthcare. I work best with clients that have medical or other outside problems that they are dealing with. My experience in the past as has encompassed Crisis Intervention, Behavioral Healthcare in a primary care setting, Director of Success House a psychosocial rehabilitation center, and a child and adolescent therapist for a community mental health. If you are willing to put in the work I am here to help you.
I believe in approaching your problem(s) from a whole person perspective. Your psychological problems can have an affect on your physical health and visa versa. This is why I feel Integrated Behavioral Healthcare is so important.
Depending on your particular issues I may use a mindfulness based approach which focuses on things such as self care, spiritual practices, and mindfulness exercises.
Sometimes your problem may not be extremely complex and we can work on some brief solution focused therapy. Or we may pick a particular issues to focus on during each session in order to get to the root of your problems.