Hello, my name is Teresa, practicing mental health for over 16 years working with the military population. Working as a middle school teacher in a lower socioeconomic area. This led to my desire to go back to school for my master’s degree in counseling psychology. Receiving my LPC licensure, led me to pursue my chemical dependency counselor license (LCDC). I began working as a substance abuse counselor with the US Army in substance abuse counseling. While working with the military I worked at a local hospital developing a program for civilians in chemical dependency. The need to work with individuals, and families including Service Members, led me to work as a contractor for private corporations. During this time, I received a certification in behavioral therapy to work with the autism spectrum population. Raised as a military dependent, then wife and mother, I experienced many aspects of different personalities. I was led to understand what it means to try to hide who you are to eventually become someone you may not recognize. The goal is to have you see, life is wonderful, we go through the storm to appreciate the sunshine. The experience developed led me to work with addiction, anxiety, PTSD, and many other mental health issues. We are a beautiful bouquet with different views on life. Using an eclectic therapeutic array of mental health care has allotted me to develop individual care. This concept of care is the same for couples and group therapy. Some techniques include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and psychosocial therapeutic techniques.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In the first session, I like to work on getting to know you and what each individual will need to be successful in the future. We will go over the treatment plan and give an approximate timeline and the number of sessions to participate in.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I really find it important not to judge where individuals come from. I try to understand that no one was born with a handbook and that families are not perfect. I work on individuals understanding changing our perspective will develop change in our lives.

About Teresa Torres-Johnson