I have been working with individuals struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use, sexual addiction, and mental health challenges for the past ten years. I have a real heart to walk alongside you to encourage, support, and empower you to move forward in your recovery needs. I graduated from Liberty University in 2014 with an MA in Professional Counseling and completed a Doctoral program specializing in treating trauma-related challenges. I approach recovery through the eyes of motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy. I am also trained in EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In my practice, I prioritize creating an environment where you feel truly heard and understood, as I believe that active listening is the cornerstone of effective mental health therapy. By patiently attuning to your unique needs and concerns, I foster a safe space where you can express your feelings without fear of judgment. This therapeutic alliance serves as a vital foundation for our work together, allowing you to explore the depths of your experiences and emotions. I incorporate a variety of coping skills, particularly grounding techniques, which are designed to help you anchor yourself in the present moment, especially during times of distress. These strategies enable you to manage overwhelming emotions by bringing awareness to your surroundings and reconnecting with your body, creating a sense of stability and calm. As we navigate the complexities of your journey, I am dedicated to empowering you with the tools and insights necessary for lasting healing. This process is not just about addressing immediate challenges but also about fostering resilience in the face of future adversities. By encouraging self-discovery and self-acceptance, I guide you in recognizing your strengths and capabilities, helping you reclaim your narrative and cultivate a sense of agency in your life. Together, we embark on a transformative journey where you will not only learn to cope with life's challenges but also unleash your inherent potential, paving the way for a more fulfilling and empowered existence.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I am a soft-spoken, kind-hearted, and compassionate mental health counselor dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment for my clients. My approach is deeply rooted in empathy, as I believe it is crucial to truly understand the experiences and emotions of those I work with. I strive to put myself in the shoes of my clients, seeing the world through their eyes, which allows me to better comprehend their struggles and challenges. In our therapeutic relationships, I prioritize the empowerment of my clients. I believe that each individual possesses unique strengths and insights about their own lives, and it is my role to help them uncover and harness those qualities. Together, we explore various avenues for recovery, focusing on their goals and aspirations. My process involves collaborating closely with clients to develop effective coping strategies and solutions tailored to their specific needs. I view this as a contractual relationship where we work as a team, with my clients actively participating in the creation of their path forward. When solutions emerge from the client themselves, they tend to feel a greater sense of ownership and commitment to making those changes. Ultimately, my mission is to support my clients in navigating the complexities of their mental health journeys, fostering resilience, confidence, and a renewed sense of hope as they move toward their recovery. Through our work together, I aim to empower them to take charge of their lives and become the architects of their own well-being.
About David Grenn
David Grenn offers therapy covered by Kaiser Permanente - Medicaid and UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Virginia.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
We are often shaped by our past experiences, replete with a myriad of misunderstandings about our identities and how we are perceived by others. This can lead to a distorted self-image and influence our interactions with the world around us. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) serves as a powerful tool to help unravel these complexities. By guiding us toward a more neutral and objective understanding of our thoughts and beliefs, CBT assists in identifying and correcting the false narratives we may have come to accept as truth. The premise behind CBT is that our thoughts significantly influence our feelings and behaviors. When we hold onto negative or misleading beliefs about ourselves, it can perpetuate a cycle of low self-esteem and negative perceptions. By actively working to challenge and change these thoughts, we can begin to reshape our self-image and foster a more positive view of ourselves and our relationships with others. As we engage in this process of correcting our thoughts, we move closer to experiencing a deeper sense of self-awareness and acceptance. This not only enhances our mental well-being but also enables us to interact with others through a more compassionate and understanding lens. Ultimately, adopting a healthier perspective on ourselves paves the way for personal growth, improved relationships, and a more fulfilling life.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT therapy, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, is a valuable approach designed to help individuals cultivate mindfulness and present-moment awareness. This therapeutic method encourages you to engage fully with the here and now, rather than becoming overwhelmed by regrets about the past or anxieties about the future. One of ACT's central tenets is accepting your thoughts and emotions as they arise, without judgment or criticism. This acceptance empowers you to explore your inner experiences authentically, allowing you to understand them more deeply instead of attempting to escape or suppress them. In our sessions, I will work collaboratively with you to navigate your thoughts and feelings constructively and empoweringly. We will focus on developing strategies to embrace even the most challenging aspects of your past, creating understanding and insight so that they no longer have power over you. Together, we will construct a safe mental space—a personalized sanctuary where you can retreat when you feel overwhelmed or anxious. This safe place will serve as a tool for calming your mind and easing emotional tension, promoting relaxation and mental clarity. Through this process, you will learn valuable skills to help you manage difficult emotions and thoughts. Our goal is to enable you to engage with life more fully and authentically, moving beyond avoidance and toward meaningful action aligned with your values. By fostering this acceptance and commitment to the present, you will gain a greater sense of control over your life and well-being, empowering you to pursue your goals and aspirations with renewed vigor and resilience.
Christian Counseling
Christian counseling is a dynamic and eclectic approach that acknowledges the complexity of human existence by recognizing that we are triune beings, consisting of physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. This holistic perspective understands that each of these components plays a crucial role in shaping our overall well-being and quality of life. In our counseling sessions, I will work closely with you to identify and explore these interconnected aspects of your being. Together, we will strategize effective ways to strengthen each element, ensuring that you are not only addressing your physical needs but also nurturing your mental health and spiritual growth.
EMDR
Throughout our lives, we inevitably encounter a variety of traumatic experiences that can significantly influence our interactions with others and shape our overall emotional well-being. These experiences may manifest in several ways, including distressing nightmares, specific triggers that provoke anxiety or discomfort, and a general feeling of unsafety in certain situations. The impact of trauma can linger long after the actual event, affecting our relationships and daily functioning. To address these deep-seated emotional issues, various therapeutic approaches have been developed, one of which is eye movement therapy. This includes techniques like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Both of these modalities are designed to help individuals process past traumatic memories more effectively, allowing them to reframe and transform these experiences into more positive, life-affirming narratives. If we choose to incorporate these methods during our therapy sessions, we will embark on a journey of reprocessing old memories and emotional wounds. This therapeutic process aims not only to heal but also to empower us in the present moment. Through guided eye movements and visualization techniques, we will work together to alleviate the emotional pain associated with traumatic memories, ultimately fostering a sense of safety and stability in our lives. By engaging in this form of therapy, clients often find that they can release the hold of past traumas, enabling them to cultivate healthier relationships and develop a more positive outlook on life. The goal is to help individuals reclaim their sense of self and agency, allowing them to create new, affirming experiences that enhance their overall quality of life.