Ms. Jacqueline Berry-Jones is a board-certified Licensed Professional Counselor from San Antonio, Texas, who works with adults, couples, seniors, children, and adolescents and provides care for patients who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, life transitions, behavior challenges, neglect, and emotional issues. Ms. Berry-Jones has extensive experience with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and has been a board-certified Licensed Professional Counselor for over three years. Ms. Berry-Jones' treatment approach is rooted in evidence-based practices that teach patients to recognize when their thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes affect their feelings and actions. Ms. Berry-Jones studied at Webster University, where she obtained a Master of Arts in Counseling. Furthermore, she has worked in the Social Services field for over 25 years. Working with children, adults, families, seniors, and clients with physical and mental disabilities is where she gained a wide range of knowledge that has been a crucial part of her practice and her patients' success and progress. Her main goals for her patients include reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving overall well-being, and promoting personal growth and resilience. Ms. Berry-Jones believes that her patients can overcome any obstacle in her practice. She has a unique view and experience with CBT that results in long-lasting behavioral changes using evidence-based care. Ms. Berry-Jones has excelled in her practice because she is passionate about helping her patients achieve their goals and using individualized treatment goals based on each one of her patients' needs. She provides a safe and non-judgmental space for them to explore their thoughts and feelings. Ms. Berry-Jones enjoys cruising and spending quality time with her family. She is inspired by the resilience and strength of her patients and wants to empower them to achieve their full potential.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Our first session is dedicated to building a foundation for our therapeutic relationship. I will warmly welcome you and create a safe, non-judgmental space for you to share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. I will ask you questions to better understand your background and history and why you sought therapy. We will discuss your therapy goals and what you hope to achieve through our work together. This conversation will help us create a roadmap for our sessions and ensure that we are aligned in our understanding of what you want to accomplish. Feel free to share any specific expectations or concerns about the therapy process. I will explain and discuss confidentiality, emphasizing the importance of maintaining your privacy and the limits to confidentiality as required by law and ethical guidelines. We will go over the informed consent process, which ensures you clearly understand our therapeutic relationship, the methods utilized, and your rights as a client. I recognize the significance of trust and a strong therapeutic alliance for effective therapy. I will emphasize my commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment where you can feel comfortable sharing your experiences and emotions. Establishing trust, mutual respect, and rapport is a primary focus of our initial session. I will invite you to discuss your background, including important life events, relationships, and any specific concerns that led you to seek therapy. This exploration helps me gain valuable insights into your unique experience and informs the direction of our therapeutic work. Based on your information, I will conduct an initial assessment to comprehensively understand your needs and challenges. This assessment will guide the formulation of a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals. We will discuss the proposed plan and collaborate on the best way forward.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As an LPC specializing in working with couples, women's issues, anxiety, and depression, I possess several impressive strengths that contribute to my effectiveness as a provider. Based on my expertise in these areas, I believe the following strengths stand out: 1. Specialized Knowledge: My focused practice areas of couples therapy, women's issues, anxiety, and depression highlight my depth of knowledge and understanding in these specific domains. This expertise allows me to provide targeted and effective interventions tailored to the unique needs of clients experiencing challenges in these areas. 2. Empathy and Compassion: My ability to empathize with my clients and approach their struggles with compassion is a significant strength. By creating a safe and supportive space, I can assist my clients feel understood, validated, and cared for. This empathetic approach fosters trust, encourages open communication, and establishes a solid therapeutic alliance. 3. Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial in therapy, and my proficiency in this area is commendable. My clients can expect clear and articulate explanations of therapeutic concepts, active listening, and the ability to translate complex ideas into easily understandable terms. My communication skills promote client engagement, enhance understanding, and facilitate collaborative goal-setting. 4. Adaptability and Flexibility: Each client brings unique circumstances and challenges to therapy, and my ability to adapt my approach to meet their needs is a valuable strength. Whether it involves tailoring interventions, adjusting my therapeutic style, or incorporating evidence-based techniques, my adaptability allows me to provide personalized care and maximize the potential for positive outcomes. 5. Holistic Approach: My strengths extend beyond addressing specific presenting concerns. By recognizing the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and relational well-being, I can adopt a holistic approach to address your clients' needs comprehensively. This takes into account the various dimensions of their lives and facilitates more profound and sustainable change.
About Jacqueline Berry-Jones
Jacqueline Berry-Jones offers therapy covered by UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Texas.
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8918 Tesoro Drive, San Antonio, TX 78217, Suite #200Appointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is an evidence-based, goal-oriented therapy modality that focuses on the interplay between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It is rooted in the understanding that our thoughts significantly impact our feelings and actions, playing a pivotal role in shaping our perceptions and experiences. By exploring and challenging our cognitive patterns, we can effectively transform our emotional responses and ultimately change our behaviors. With three years of experience, I have had the privilege of witnessing the immense positive impact that CBT can have on individuals across various life challenges. The versatility of CBT allows me to address a broad range of concerns, including anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, trauma, stress management, and relationship issues, among others. In incorporating CBT into our therapeutic practice, I take a holistic and individualized approach that tailors the therapy to meet your specific needs and goals. Here are some key aspects of CBT that you can expect to experience during our sessions: 1. Collaborative Exploration: Together, we will explore the thoughts, beliefs, and assumptions that contribute to your emotional distress or problematic behaviors. By identifying and examining these cognitive patterns, we can gain deeper insights into their origins and effects on your well-being. 2. Cognitive Restructuring: CBT aims to transform negative or irrational thoughts into more realistic and adaptive thinking patterns. We will work on challenging unhelpful beliefs, self-critical thinking, and cognitive distortions, actively replacing them with more empowering and constructive thoughts. 3. Behavioral Techniques: CBT also utilizes behavioral experiments and interventions to facilitate desired changes. These may include gradual exposure exercises, behavior activation, relaxation techniques, and the development of practical coping skills to address specific challenges. 4. Homework and Skill-Building: Between sessions, I may assign you specific exercises and activities to reinforce the concepts discussed during our sessions. These homework assignments act as valuable tools for practicing new skills and solidifying the progress made during therapy. It is essential to remember that the effectiveness of CBT is greatly amplified by the therapeutic relationship we cultivate. Our collaboration and your active participation are key elements in harnessing the full potential of this approach. I am committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space that encourages openness, trust, and empathy, allowing us to work collaboratively towards your goals. I am confident that through the integration of CBT into our therapy sessions, we can unlock your innate strengths, enhance self-awareness, and equip you with the necessary tools to overcome obstacles and thrive in your personal journey. Should you have any further questions or if there is anything specific you would like to discuss regarding CBT or our therapeutic process, please feel free to reach out. I am here to provide you with the guidance and support you need.
Couples Counseling
With three years of experience in working with couples, I have witnessed the profound impact that therapeutic support can have on relationships facing various challenges. Couples counseling acts as a safe and supportive space where partners can openly communicate, deepen their understanding of each other's experiences, and develop effective strategies to improve their connection. In my practice, I approach couples counseling with compassion, empathy, and a dedication to creating a non-judgmental environment. Here are some key aspects of my approach to couples counseling: 1. Relationship Assessment: During the initial stages, I place great emphasis on understanding the unique dynamics of your relationship. Through open and honest dialogue, I encourage both partners to express their feelings, concerns, and goals for therapy. This assessment phase serves as the foundation for tailoring the counseling process to your specific needs. 2. Effective Communication: One of the primary objectives of couples counseling is to improve communication between partners. I facilitate open and constructive dialogue, teaching effective communication techniques and active listening skills. This enables you to express yourselves honestly, empathetically, and without judgment, fostering a deeper understanding of each other's perspectives. 3. Conflict Resolution: Couples often face conflict, and learning healthy ways to navigate and resolve disagreements is crucial. In therapy, we explore conflict patterns, identify underlying issues, and develop strategies to promote resolution and compromise. Through practicing constructive problem-solving techniques, we can strengthen the foundation of your relationship. 4. Rebuilding Trust: Relationships can suffer when trust has been compromised. Be it infidelity, breaches of confidentiality, or other trust-related issues, couples counseling provides a supportive space for exploring and addressing these challenges. I assist in rebuilding trust by fostering open communication, facilitating forgiveness, and developing strategies to prevent future betrayals. 5. Enhancing Emotional Connection: Couples counseling also focuses on developing and nurturing emotional intimacy. We explore ways to deepen your emotional connection, foster empathy and understanding, and enhance your overall emotional support for one another. Through various exercises and techniques, we work together to reignite and maintain the emotional spark in your relationship. 6. New Relationship Skills: Couples counseling not only addresses current challenges but also equips partners with valuable tools for maintaining a healthy relationship in the long run. These skills include active listening, effective communication, intimacy-building exercises, and ongoing commitment to each other's growth. Throughout our sessions, it is important to remember that couples counseling is a collaborative process that requires active participation and commitment from both partners. I am here to guide and support you both as you navigate the unique dynamics of your relationship, fostering resilience, understanding, and mutual growth.
Gottman method
The Gottman Method is an evidence-based approach to couples therapy developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. It is rooted in decades of research on what makes relationships succeed or fail and provides practical tools and strategies to enhance communication, build trust, and deepen emotional connection. In our counseling sessions, I draw upon the principles and techniques of the Gottman Method to better understand the dynamics within your relationship and to support you in achieving your goals. Here are some key elements of the Gottman Method that inform my practice: 1. Assessment: We will engage in a comprehensive assessment process to understand your relationship dynamics, strengths, and areas for growth. This may include questionnaire-based assessments, individual interviews, and observations to gain a holistic understanding of your unique relationship. 2. Sound Relationship House: The Gottman Method uses the concept of the "Sound Relationship House" as a framework for healthy relationships. We will explore the various levels of this house, such as building love maps, enhancing fondness and admiration, turning towards each other, managing conflict, and creating shared meaning. These principles will help us navigate challenges and cultivate a stronger foundation for your relationship. 3. Communication Skills: Effective communication is at the heart of any successful relationship. I will guide you in developing essential communication skills, including active listening, expressing emotions, and conveying needs and desires in a constructive manner. These skills will promote understanding, empathy, and connection between you and your partner. 4. Conflict Management: Conflict is a natural part of any relationship, and learning to manage it in a healthy way is crucial. The Gottman Method offers specific strategies to help you navigate conflicts, de-escalate tension, and reach compromises that honor both partners' needs. 5. Strengthening Friendship and Intimacy: Building and maintaining emotional connection and intimacy is essential. We will work on strengthening your friendship, nurturing shared interests, and deepening your bond through activities that foster positive interactions and expressions of appreciation. 6. Relationship Goals: Collaboratively, we will identify your relationship goals and develop a roadmap to achieve them. These goals can be focused on your communication, intimacy, shared values, or any other area you wish to improve. It's important to note that the application of the Gottman Method is tailored to your unique relationship and needs. Together, we will explore how these principles can be implemented effectively to enhance your relationship's well-being and overall satisfaction. If you have any questions or concerns about the Gottman Method or how it applies to our work together, please don't hesitate to discuss them during our sessions. I am here to support you and your partner on your journey towards a healthier and happier relationship.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment is a goal-oriented and strength-based approach that focuses on identifying and utilizing your existing strengths and resources to achieve the positive changes you desire. It is a collaborative and efficient counseling model that aims to help you identify solutions to your challenges and build a more fulfilling life. Throughout our sessions, I will integrate the principles and techniques of Solution-Focused Brief Treatment to assist you in reaching your therapeutic goals. Here are some key components of this approach that inform my practice: 1. Solution-Focused Questions: I will guide you through a series of solution-focused questions designed to explore your desired outcomes, strengths, and resources. By focusing on your vision of a preferred future and your existing abilities, we can generate practical and effective solutions to the difficulties you may be facing. 2. Goal Setting: Together, we will establish clear and achievable goals that are meaningful to you. These goals will serve as the foundation for our sessions and allow us to measure progress and success as we work towards achieving positive change. 3. Identifying Exceptions: Solution-Focused Brief Treatment encourages the exploration of times when the problem you are facing is less intense or nonexistent. By recognizing these exceptions, we can uncover valuable insights and strategies that can be employed to overcome challenges and create lasting change. 4. Scaling Questions: To track progress and identify areas of growth, I may utilize scaling questions. These questions allow you to rate your current situation and provide a visual representation of your progress over time. This self-assessment tool enables us to focus our efforts on areas that require further attention and celebrate your achievements along the way. 5. Strengths Focus: Rather than dwelling solely on problems, Solution-Focused Brief Treatment emphasizes the exploration and amplification of your strengths and abilities. By emphasizing your existing resources and resilience, we can foster confidence, self-efficacy, and a sense of empowerment as you navigate the changes you seek. 6. Brief and Time-Limited Approach: Solution-Focused Brief Treatment is known for its efficiency and effectiveness in creating positive change in a relatively short period. By focusing on solutions and utilizing your strengths, we can maximize the impact of our sessions and help you achieve your goals efficiently.