My journey to becoming a DNP and PMHNP-BC started with a deep-rooted interest in understanding the human mind and a passion for helping others. I chose nursing because of its patient-centered nature and commitment to holistic care. During my practice, I encountered many patients grappling with mental health issues, which instilled in me a desire to specialize in psychiatric care. After pursuing my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, I further honed my skills by obtaining my certification as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. Each step in my career has reinforced my belief in the power of resilience and has allowed me to assist patients in their journey toward recovery and wellness.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session, the client can expect a complete psychiatric history to be taken and an outline of treatment goals to work towards. Any current medications will be reviewed and incorporated into the collaborative plan between the patient and the provider. The therapeutic alliance will take some time to build, but the first session is a great way to determine if the client feels that I am a good fit for their needs and goals regarding treatment and healing.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My core values of empathy, respect, and integrity greatly shape my approach to care; I believe that every individual has a unique story and deserves to be heard and understood without judgment.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I work best with clients that are ready for change in life and deep core healing. Working with me means embarking on a profound journey toward transformative change. My approach, integrating modalities like polyvagal theory, ego state therapy, EMDR, and mindfulness practices, aims to heal complex trauma's impact on your self-identity. We'll first stabilize your internal state, enhancing your resilience to daily challenges. Then, we'll process trauma and construct a personalized healing template. Our therapeutic alliance, built on trust, will guide us through this journey, teaching you to extend trust to yourself. Together, we'll navigate an embodied healing process, triggering changes at your very core.

About Aline Bales