Welcome, my name is Teresa and I am a licensed mental health clinician. I have worked in a community setting seeing many different types of clients, and for the past 10 years I have worked in schools as a school counselor. I have worked with clients as young as 10 and as old as 80. I love being able to connect with many different types of people while they are on their healing journey.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In their first therapy session, clients can expect a warm and welcoming environment where they have the opportunity to share their concerns, goals, and reasons for seeking therapy. Introduction and Welcome: I will greet the client and introduce myself. I will provide an overview of the session structure and confidentiality policies to ensure the client feels safe and informed. Exploration of Concerns: I will encourage the client to talk about what brought them to therapy, including any specific issues, challenges, or symptoms they are experiencing. This may involve discussing their personal history, current life circumstances, and the goals they hope to achieve through therapy. Building Rapport: I will strive to establish a trusting and supportive relationship with the client. They may ask questions to better understand the client's perspective, validate their feelings, and express empathy for their experiences. Clarification of Expectations: I will clarify the expectations for therapy, including the frequency and duration of sessions, as well as any homework assignments or therapeutic techniques that may be used. They'll also address any questions or concerns the client may have about the therapeutic process. Closure and Next Steps: Towards the end of the session, I will summarize key points discussed and invite feedback from the client. We will work together to develop a plan for future sessions and discuss any follow-up appointments or referrals as needed. Overall, clients can expect their first therapy session to be a collaborative and supportive experience focused on understanding their needs and laying the groundwork for a successful therapeutic relationship.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a counselor, I possess a diverse range of strengths that contribute to effectiveness in helping others navigate their challenges and achieve personal growth. Here are some strengths that I possess: Empathy: I have a strong ability to understand and empathize with the experiences, emotions, and perspectives of my clients. This allows me to establish rapport, build trust, and create a safe space for clients to explore their feelings and concerns. Active Listening: I am skilled at actively listening to my clients without judgment, fully attending to their verbal and nonverbal communication cues. This enables me to grasp the underlying issues and emotions behind their words and respond thoughtfully and empathetically. Communication Skills: I possess excellent verbal and nonverbal communication skills, allowing me to effectively convey information, validate feelings, and offer support and guidance to my clients. My communication style fosters open dialogue and collaboration in the therapeutic process. Cultural Competence: I demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity in working with clients from diverse backgrounds, respecting their cultural values, beliefs, and identities. This enables me to provide culturally responsive care and adapt my approach to meet the unique needs of each client. Boundaries and Ethics: I maintain strong professional boundaries and adhere to ethical guidelines in your practice, prioritizing the well-being and confidentiality of your clients. Your ethical conduct builds trust and credibility with clients, fostering a safe and ethical therapeutic environment. Problem-Solving Skills: I am adept at helping clients identify and analyze their challenges, explore alternative perspectives, and develop effective coping strategies and solutions. My problem-solving skills empower clients to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Resilience and Self-Awareness: I possess resilience and self-awareness, allowing you to manage the emotional demands of counseling and engage in ongoing self-reflection and professional development. My self-awareness enables me to recognize your own biases and limitations, enhancing my effectiveness as a counselor. Flexibility and Adaptability: I am flexible and adaptable in my approach to counseling, tailoring my interventions and techniques to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client. My flexibility allows me to respond effectively to changes and challenges in the therapeutic process.