Quethcia Toussaint
My name is Ms. Quethcia Toussaint (Mrs. Q). I have accumulated sixteen years of experience as a clinician, specializing in working with children and adolescents exposed to trauma. I hold national certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), an evidence-based treatment widely recognized for its effectiveness with trauma survivors.
My passion lies in supporting this population, recognizing the challenges they face in finding a secure and welcoming space to discuss and process their past trauma.
My passion lies in supporting this population, recognizing the challenges they face in finding a secure and welcoming space to discuss and process their past trauma.
First session
In our initial session together, my primary goal is to establish a strong rapport and center our attention on your unique needs. I hold the belief that the therapeutic relationship between a client and therapist is paramount, serving as a key factor influencing the overall success of our treatment. During our sessions, clients can anticipate leveraging their strengths and daily coping skills as valuable tools to overcome the challenges posed by their trauma. They can anticipate reclaiming a sense of normalcy in their lives as part of the therapeutic process.
Strengths
One of my core strengths as a provider lies in my exceptional listening skills. I am dedicated to creating a warm and secure environment where you can freely express yourself without fear of judgment or condescension. Through genuine empathy, I connect with all my clients, granting you the autonomy necessary to work towards your established goals.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is ready to explore their experiences, gain greater self-awareness, and take meaningful steps toward positive change. I believe every client deserves to be met where they are emotionally and mentally, without judgment, and supported at a pace that feels appropriate for their individual needs. I work well with clients who are navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, emotional regulation difficulties, or significant life transitions. Whether they are seeking to heal from past experiences, improve their relationships, develop healthier coping strategies, or simply gain a better understanding of themselves, I believe therapy can provide a safe space to work toward those goals. I value transparency and a direct, honest approach in the therapeutic relationship. I believe clients benefit from having a clear understanding of what to expect from treatment, while also feeling heard, respected, and supported throughout the process. My role is not to tell clients how to live their lives, but to help them identify what is and is not working, develop practical tools, and feel empowered to make intentional choices. Ultimately, my ideal client is not someone who has everything figured out—it is someone who is willing to begin where they are and take the necessary steps toward healing and growth. I believe that meeting clients where they are and walking alongside them throughout their journey can create a strong foundation for meaningful and lasting change.
Treatment methods
Trauma-Focused CBT
I have been dedicated to working with children who have undergone childhood trauma, and I am currently certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) on a national level. The primary objective of this approach is to address the impact of trauma on both the client and their caregivers. TF-CBT emphasizes the establishment of a therapeutic relationship with both the youth and their caregivers, incorporating gradual exposure techniques throughout the treatment process. It is strongly recommended that caregivers actively participate in therapy sessions to enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
Motivational Interviewing
Additionally, I have received training in Motivational Interviewing, a counseling method designed to enhance a patient's motivation to make positive changes. This approach is guided by four key principles, encapsulated by the acronym RULE: Resist the righting reflex, Understand the patient's own motivations, Listen with empathy, and Empower the patient.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my practice to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I work collaboratively with clients to identify patterns of thinking that may be contributing to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, or difficulty coping with stressful and traumatic experiences. I help clients recognize cognitive distortions such as catastrophizing, negative self-talk, all-or-nothing thinking, mind-reading, and assuming the worst-case scenario. Together, we examine whether these thoughts are based on facts, past experiences, fears, or assumptions and then work toward developing more balanced and realistic perspectives. CBT in my practice is also very practical and skills-based. I teach clients strategies they can use outside of sessions, such as thought challenging, reframing, grounding techniques, emotional regulation skills, behavioral activation, problem-solving, and assertive communication. I encourage clients to practice these skills between sessions so that they can gradually build confidence in managing their emotions and responding to situations differently. When working with clients who have experienced trauma, I use CBT principles in a trauma-informed and paced manner. I help clients understand how past experiences may influence their current beliefs, behaviors, and emotional responses without defining who they are. My goal is to help clients develop greater self-awareness, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and recognize that they have the ability to make intentional choices rather than feeling controlled by their thoughts or past experiences.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions7902 Wiles Rd, Coral Springs, FL 33067, 141