Jacob Durham
Therapy can be very intimidating, especially if you are not aware of the expectations or if you don’t feel safe talking to your chosen provider. My experiences as a counselor have allowed me to work with those that struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, difficulty with life transitions, and uncertainty about their identity or if they belong. Therapy should seek to address the roots of whatever negative thoughts or beliefs contribute to these ongoing issues, and I am here to help you uncover those roots so that you can achieve healing. If you are tired of wrestling with feelings of not being good enough and are ready to show kindness to yourself, I would love to help you reach that point. We will work together to create goals that are realistic, manageable, and appropriate for your situation. Then, we will work at your pace to see those desires become reality.
First session
During our first session, my goal is to help begin unpacking the reasons that brought you to therapy while also getting to know you better as an individual. I know how intimidating it can be to be vulnerable to a complete stranger, so I aim to make the environment as safe and comfortable as possible. We will address your issues and goals at your own pace, and I am here to work with you without judgement. We will also take time to ensure confidence in your right to confidentiality alongside whatever limitations that need to be applied to that aspect of our dynamic. Time can also be taken to address whatever concerns you have about me or the therapeutic process.
Strengths
I approach sessions with unconditional positive regard to create a space of non-judgement. I allow clients to take the role as the captain of their own ship. They decide the destination of their mental health journey (i.e., goals), and I am there to help them reach that destination. Skill development, self-care, and those days where we need to just vent are all appropriate in the space I want to cultivate for you. It's important to allow the client to process what they need to at their own pace, though I am willing to challenge the client when necessary.
Ideal clients
I believe therapy will be most effective when the client is willing to be authentic about how they are thinking, what they are willing to address, and the effort they put in themselves outside of the times we meet for therapy. Clients who take the tools we learn in session and apply them on their own time will build the confidence needed to flourish in whatever stage they are in with life. Effort/progress does not need to be perfect, and it is okay if we have moments of regression. What especially matters is the client's willingness to be honest and to not give up on themselves.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, we will find that our common thought processes will influence our beliefs and behaviors. I often utilize this approach to challenge any distorted or irrational thought patterns that could be bringing any distress. We will explore why these thoughts are common and find alternative and rational ways of thinking that will help us to be more confident within ourselves and to maintain consistent coping strategies.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
You are the expert of your own story. I believe in giving the client the freedom to explore whatever they want and to promote a dialogue that can help the client to better understand themselves and their situation better. I never try to present a distant demeanor when helping clients reflect on their experiences. We will spend the time as two human beings focusing on your own potential for growth with a sense of genuineness.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- KentuckyLicense 304137