Chrissie Beharry-Sperling
Hello! I'm Chrissie :). I am a warm, person centered and human therapist. I am not perfect and, I don't expect you to be either. I consider myself a direct therapist-I will be your biggest cheerleader but I will also hold you accountable. I pride myself on providing honest and straightforward therapy.
I specialize in: life transitions, stress management, working with immigrants (lived experience), cultural issues, relationship issues, men's and women's issues.
I specialize in: life transitions, stress management, working with immigrants (lived experience), cultural issues, relationship issues, men's and women's issues. I am licensed in FL, OH, NC, SC, WA, CA and CO.
First session
During our initial session I will introduce myself, we will discuss confidentiality, what therapy sessions will look like and any housekeeping items. Then we will begin completing an intake assessment which is a series of questions that I ask so that I can learn about who you are and what brings you to therapy. We then create a treatment plan together with your identified goals. Having this information helps me understand you as a whole person. Please note as a licensed counselor I am not able to prescribe medications as that is outside of my scope.
Strengths
My biggest strength as a therapist is the ability to connect with my clients. I do this through being approachable, warm, open, and most importantly, with a non judgmental attitude. I love celebrating my clients' gains and I am there as a support for the more difficult times. Having a client who reports being anxious at their very first appointment who later reports being comfortable and excited for our next session, is my idea of success. I have a high client return rate. My clients have said I am warm, I help them feel safe, seen and cared for and I am relatable.
Ideal clients
My clients are adults who are navigating changes and difficulties in life. Many of my clients are high achieving, high performing, perfectionists who come to learn self compassion and how to take care of themselves. Some clients come to vent, some come for more structured solution focused sessions, others come for validation of their feelings, needs and desires. No matter where you are coming from I am honored to be a part of your story and look forward to our work together. I provide a safe space for you to share what you are struggling with and what you want to get out of therapy.
Treatment methods
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Person centered therapy is the basis of my treatment approach. It allows for you to lead the sessions, while I provide support and guidance. This takes into consideration that you are the expert in your own story and the answers are within you, we just have to find them. I practice unconditional positive regard, meaning that I accept you as you are with empathy and authenticity. This enables me to establish a meaningful relationship with my clients as a strong therapeutic relationship is needed for therapy to be successful.
Strength-Based
Strengths based therapy is built on the idea that we all have our own strengths. In therapy I use your strengths to help you learn coping skills and to show you that you already have what you need. Every person is special and our strengths may vary but they are in there waiting for you to realize them.
Compassion Focused
Compassion focused therapy is used in my practice to help my clients practice self compassion skills especially to address issues related to shame and guilt. Many of us have difficulty giving ourselves grace. This is something that I promote in my sessions.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness based therapy is utilized in my practice to help clients come to the present moment. Often times we can get lost in the past or anxious about the future but when we used mindfulness based approaches such as grounding we can help ourselves feel safe in our current moment.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I am very solution focused and will work with you to create small actionable steps to take towards achieving your bigger goals.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions1133 Louisiana Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, Suite 208