LPC, 6 years of experience
I'm Cierra Harper, a National Board Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor with over 7 years in mental health and 12 years in healthcare. After earning my Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Counseling in Texas, I moved to the DMV area. I work with adults and adolescents, helping them tackle anxiety, depression, family issues, domestic violence, pregnancy concerns, women's health, oppositional behavior, ADHD, and more. I am dedicated to mindfulness, grounding techniques, and creating self-care routines that foster a balanced, healthier life. My approach considers the whole person, aiming to heal every part. Together, we'll start a journey of self-discovery, providing you with the tools to navigate life's challenges and embrace a brighter future.
In our first session, we'll discuss your therapy goals and what you're hoping to achieve. We'll explore your motivations for seeking therapy, the issues and symptoms you're dealing with, and your desired outcomes for our journey together. This will help guide our focus during follow up sessions.
My greatest strength is my ability to genuinely connect with my clients, creating a warm, nonjudgmental environment where they feel welcomed and supported. I take pride in building a safe space where clients can openly share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. By fostering trust and understanding, I help them feel heard and valued, enabling us to work together effectively on their journey towards healing and personal growth.
I love working with a diverse range of individuals from all walks of life. I have a particular passion for helping adults and adolescents who are navigating the challenges of mental health, regardless of their background or personal experiences. My approach is inclusive and welcoming, ensuring everyone feels valued and heard.
I employ CBT to help individuals understand and change their thought patterns and behaviors. CBT would help identify negative thoughts, challenge them, and replace them with more positive, realistic ones. It's a mental toolkit to handle life's challenges better. CBT can be used for various issues, like anxiety, depression, and stress, to feel more in control and improve their overall well-being.
This is utilized in conjunction with CBT and mindfulness. It helps you learn skills to manage those intense feelings, like staying calm during a crisis or improving relationships. It aids in emotional regulation, making it easier to navigate life's ups and downs.
This approach understands that many people have experienced trauma and tailors support to avoid re-traumatization. It’s about creating a supportive environment where you can feel understood and empowered, takign into consideration tough experiences in the past and their present impact on emotions and behaviors.
This method helps individuals find their own motivation for making positive changes. It's gently guiding you to talk about what matters to you and why you want to make a change. It's listening without judgment, helping you uncover your own reasons for change. It’s a collaborative way to inspire and empower personal growth.