I have provided counseling and therapy services in various capacities for over 25 years; I specialize in treating anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, attachment issues, parenting, and grief using a collaborative approach to work towards focusing on solutions, not problems. I create specific, measurable goals and identify tools and steps to reach them.
I am a mother of two boys and a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the initial therapy session, we'll establish a comfortable and confidential environment where you can openly share your concerns. I'll listen attentively to understand your unique experiences and challenges. Together, we'll identify your therapy goals and discuss strategies to address them effectively. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback to ensure we're aligned in our approach. By the end, we'll create a collaborative plan tailored to your needs and preferences.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strength as a therapist lies in my ability to be fully present with all individuals. I offer my undivided attention, listening attentively to their words, emotions, and body language. Being present creates a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings openly. This presence allows for deep connection, understanding, and meaningful progress in therapy sessions.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
My therapy services would benefit diverse individuals, including college students navigating academic stressors, young adults managing life transitions and identity development, and the elderly coping with late-life adjustments and existential concerns. Additionally, those who are struggling with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, attachment issues, parenting struggles, and grief would find both support and guidance tailored to their unique needs and concerns.
About Joani Terek
Appointments
Free consults, virtual
My treatment methods
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
Targets: OCD, anxiety, PTSD
Goal: Manage fears and obsessions by gradually facing them without resorting to compulsions.
Method:
-Collaboratively create a "fear ladder" ranking anxiety-provoking situations.
-Start with mild situations and gradually progress to more difficult ones.
-Repeatedly expose yourself to these situations without engaging in compulsions.
Expected outcomes:
-Learn to tolerate anxiety and break the fear-compulsion cycle.
-Change negative beliefs about your fears.
-Develop healthier coping mechanisms.
-Reduce anxiety symptoms and improve overall functioning.
Key points:
-Based on cognitive-behavioral therapy principles.
-Evidence-based and effective approach.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use cognitive behavioral therapy for many reasons:
-to show the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Your thoughts can influence your feelings and behaviors
-identify and change negative thought patterns.
these patterns can contriburte to mental heath issues like anxiety and depression.
-Develop awareness of your thoughts.
You learn to recognize how your thoughts are impacting you.
-Challenge irrational beliefs.You question unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with more realistic ones.
- Engage in positive behaviors.
Activities can promote positive emotions and healthy coping mechanisms.
Benefits:
-Manages various mental health concerns:
Anxiety, depression, stress, etc.
-Provides practical tools:
You learn skills to manage your thoughts and emotions.
-Structured and goal-oriented:
Focuses on specific challenges and lasting solutions.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
What it is:
-A comprehensive therapy approach developed for emotional dysregulation, self-harm, and relationship struggles.
-Originally for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), now used for various mental health issues.
Key features:
Combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices.
Uses individual therapy, group skills training, phone coaching, and team consultation.
Focuses on developing skills in four areas: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance.
Aims to balance acceptance and change to help manage intense emotions,improve relationships, and create a more fulfilling life.
Benefits:
-Helps individuals manage difficult emotions effectively.
-Improves communication and relationships.
-Reduces self-harm and other destructive behaviors.
-Promotes overall well-being and quality of life.
EMDR
Uses bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements, tapping) to help process memories.
Eight-phase process includes history-taking, planning, and memory reprocessing.
Aims to desensitize emotional charge of memories and create healthier associations.
Effectiveness:
-Evidence-based for treating PTSD and other trauma-related conditions.
-Helps individuals integrate traumatic experiences into their life story in a healthier way.
Key points:
-Structured approach with clear phases.
-Uses natural healing processes of the mind.
-Focuses on emotional processing and reducing distress.
