My name is Kourtenay Nash, the Licensed Therapist. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with honors from the University of Central Florida, where my passion for understanding the human mind took root. Building on that foundation, I pursued a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with honors from Stetson University.
As a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida, I have had the privilege of working in various settings that have shaped my professional journey. I have experience working in inpatient behavioral hospitals, providing care and support to individuals in need of intensive treatment. Additionally, I have worked in outpatient and private practice settings, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with community resources, such as Children's Protective Services, serving diverse populations and backgrounds.
My work is fueled by a deep dedication to improving people's mental health and well-being. I firmly believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, and it is my mission to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals throughout Florida. I am enthusiastic about continuing to serve the wonderful people of Florida, utilizing my expertise, compassion, and commitment.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our initial session together, my primary focus is to establish a genuine connection and create a comfortable space where you can openly express yourself. I understand that taking the step to seek therapy can be both courageous and challenging, and I want you to feel acknowledged and supported from the moment we begin.
To start, we'll discuss the practical aspects of therapy, such as confidentiality and the therapeutic process. I'll encourage you to share any specific goals or concerns you may have, as well as what led you to seek therapy. This conversation helps me gain a deeper understanding of your unique background, experiences, and current challenges.
We'll also explore your expectations for therapy and discuss the approaches and techniques that may be most beneficial for you. I believe in tailoring my methods to each individual's needs, so your input is invaluable in shaping our therapeutic journey together.
As we delve into your personal history, emotions, and thoughts, you'll find a non-judgmental and empathetic space where you can express yourself freely. This session is an opportunity for us to collaboratively outline a roadmap for your mental health journey, setting realistic and achievable goals.
Throughout our time together, I will be actively listening, providing insights, and offering guidance as we work towards enhancing your well-being. It's crucial for me to establish a strong foundation of trust and rapport, ensuring that you feel heard and respected throughout our therapeutic relationship.
Remember, the first session is a starting point, and the pace of our work will be guided by your comfort and needs. I am here to support you in navigating life's challenges and helping you achieve the positive changes you seek. Together, we will embark on a path of self-discovery and growth, fostering a collaborative and empowering therapeutic alliance.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
In our first session together, I want to create a welcoming and comfortable space where you feel heard, understood, and respected. My goal is to establish a strong foundation for our therapeutic relationship, ensuring that you feel safe to share your thoughts and emotions openly. We'll begin by discussing your reasons for seeking therapy and any specific goals or concerns you may have.
I'll take the time to learn about your unique background, experiences, and the challenges you're currently facing. This initial session is an opportunity for me to gain a comprehensive understanding of your individual needs, allowing me to tailor our future sessions to address those specific concerns.
We'll explore your strengths, coping mechanisms, and any previous experiences with therapy, helping me to better customize our approach. It's important to me that you feel empowered and actively involved in the therapeutic process, so we'll collaboratively develop a plan that aligns with your objectives.
Given my specialization in anxiety, life transitions, self-esteem, coping skills, depression, PTSD, trauma, anger management, and women's issues, our conversation may delve into these areas if they align with your needs. However, the focus will always be on your unique experiences and what you feel comfortable discussing.
My greatest strengths as a provider lie in my empathetic and compassionate approach. I strive to create a non-judgmental and supportive atmosphere, where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without fear of criticism. Drawing from my diverse background and experiences in both inpatient behavioral hospitals and private practice, I bring a comprehensive set of skills to address a wide range of mental health concerns.
I am dedicated to fostering a collaborative and trusting relationship, utilizing evidence-based therapeutic techniques to assist you in achieving your goals. My commitment to your well-being extends beyond our sessions, as I genuinely view my work as a calling and am driven by a deep passion for improving the mental health and lives of those I have the privilege to serve. Together, we will work towards positive changes and personal growth, navigating the challenges you're facing on your mental health journey.
About Kourtenay Nash MS. LMHC.
Appointments
Free consults, virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely practiced and effective therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. As a therapist, my experience with CBT has been instrumental in helping clients navigate and overcome various mental health challenges. Here's an explanation of how I incorporate CBT into my counseling practice:
1. Assessment and Goal Setting:
CBT begins with a comprehensive assessment of the client's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. During the initial sessions, I work collaboratively with the client to identify specific issues or challenges they want to address. Together, we set clear and achievable goals for therapy, providing a roadmap for our work together.
2. Psychoeducation:
I believe in empowering clients with knowledge about the CBT model and how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. Psychoeducation is a crucial component of CBT, and I take the time to explain the principles of the approach, ensuring that clients understand the rationale behind the strategies we will employ.
3. Identifying and Challenging Negative Thoughts:
In the cognitive component of CBT, I help clients become aware of their automatic negative thoughts. Through various techniques, we explore the accuracy and helpfulness of these thoughts. I guide clients in challenging and reframing distorted thinking patterns, promoting more balanced and realistic perspectives.
4. Emotion Regulation:
CBT emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing emotions. I assist clients in recognizing and labeling their emotions, exploring the factors contributing to emotional experiences. Through skill-building exercises, clients learn effective emotion regulation strategies, enhancing their ability to cope with difficult feelings.
5. Behavior Modification:
The behavioral component of CBT involves identifying maladaptive behaviors and developing alternative, healthier responses. Together with clients, I create behavioral experiments and assignments to promote positive change. We work collaboratively to implement and assess the effectiveness of new behaviors in real-life situations.
6. Homework Assignments:
To reinforce learning and promote continuous progress between sessions, I often assign homework exercises. These assignments may include journaling, thought records, or behavioral experiments. Engaging in these tasks helps clients practice and integrate new skills into their daily lives.
7. Ongoing Evaluation and Adjustment:
CBT is a flexible and dynamic approach, allowing for ongoing evaluation and adjustment of therapeutic strategies. I regularly assess the effectiveness of interventions, seeking client feedback to tailor the treatment plan to their evolving needs.
8. Mindfulness and Relapse Prevention:
Incorporating mindfulness techniques, I guide clients in cultivating present-moment awareness and acceptance. This not only enhances their overall well-being but also serves as a valuable tool for preventing relapse and maintaining gains achieved through therapy.
In summary, my experience with CBT as a therapist involves a collaborative, goal-oriented, and evidence-based approach. By integrating the cognitive and behavioral components of CBT, I strive to empower clients with practical skills and insights to overcome challenges, fostering lasting positive change in their lives.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
In my role as a therapist, I've immersed myself in the principles and practices of Person-centered therapy, a method developed by Carl Rogers. This approach, rooted in humanistic values, places paramount importance on the client's experience and self-exploration. Here's a glimpse into my personal experience with Person-centered treatment and how I integrate it into my counseling practice:
1. Establishing a Therapeutic Alliance:
My foremost goal is to build a robust therapeutic alliance. I create a space that exudes warmth and free of judgment, fostering trust and openness. This foundation, built on empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard, sets the stage for clients to embark on their journey of self-discovery.
2. Active Listening and Reflection:
Practicing active listening is at the core of my approach. I regularly employ reflective listening techniques, paraphrasing and summarizing my clients' expressions to ensure that I truly understand their perspectives. This not only makes them feel heard but also encourages them to delve deeper into their emotions.
3. Client-Centered Exploration:
Rather than dictating solutions, I guide clients in their own exploration. This client-led approach empowers them to navigate their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The focus is on self-discovery, allowing clients to gain insights into their experiences and find their own paths toward resolution.
4. Unconditional Positive Regard:
I practice unconditional positive regard, accepting clients without judgment. This attitude communicates that their worth is intrinsic, independent of their struggles or actions. This acceptance creates an environment where clients can be candid about their challenges, fostering a sense of security and trust.
5. Facilitating Self-Actualization:
My role extends to facilitating self-actualization—the realization of clients' full potential. By nurturing a supportive and empathetic environment, I encourage clients to explore their values, beliefs, and aspirations. This aids them in aligning their lives with their authentic selves.
6. Adaptability and Flexibility:
Person-centered therapy is inherently adaptable. I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs, cultural backgrounds, and preferences of each client. This flexibility ensures that the therapy is not a one-size-fits-all but a personalized and effective process.
7. Collaborative Goal Setting:
Collaborative goal setting is a key aspect of my practice. I work hand-in-hand with clients to define their therapeutic objectives. This collaborative approach not only empowers clients but also enhances their motivation and commitment to the therapeutic journey.
In essence, my experience with Person-centered therapy revolves around creating a supportive, non-directive, and client-centered space. Through the embodiment of empathy, active listening, and unconditional positive regard, I empower clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, ultimately guiding them toward self-discovery and personal growth.
Existential
Embracing the Existential treatment method as a therapist has been a transformative journey, profoundly shaping the way I approach counseling and engage with my clients. Existential therapy resonates with my belief in the importance of addressing the fundamental questions that define the human experience.
In my counseling practice, I utilize the Existential approach as a guiding philosophy, recognizing that individuals often grapple with concerns related to meaning, freedom, isolation, and death. The therapeutic process involves encouraging clients to explore these existential givens, fostering a deeper understanding of their unique perspectives on life.
One key aspect of my practice involves delving into the concept of personal responsibility. Existential therapy emphasizes the significance of individual agency and the freedom to make choices. I work with clients to help them recognize their capacity to shape their own narratives and take ownership of their lives. This empowerment often serves as a catalyst for positive change, allowing individuals to move towards a more purposeful and authentic existence.
The therapeutic relationship is at the core of Existential therapy, and I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients feel free to explore their innermost thoughts and emotions. The authentic connection between therapist and client becomes a vehicle for navigating the existential terrain, offering support and guidance as individuals confront the uncertainties of life.
Phenomenological exploration is a technique I frequently employ, inviting clients to describe and reflect on their lived experiences. This method allows us to uncover hidden meanings, challenge assumptions, and gain insight into the client's subjective reality. By engaging in this process, clients often develop a heightened self-awareness, paving the way for personal growth and transformation.
Existential therapy has become an integral part of my practice, influencing not only the content of my sessions but also my overall approach to counseling. It serves as a reminder to focus on the present moment and to help clients cultivate a sense of purpose in the midst of life's complexities.
As a therapist, I find immense fulfillment in witnessing the resilience and self-discovery that arise through the existential exploration process. The existential framework allows me to guide individuals towards a more authentic and meaningful existence, facilitating a journey of self-discovery that extends beyond the confines of the therapy room.
In conclusion, my experience with the Existential treatment method has enriched my practice, deepening my understanding of the human experience and reinforcing the belief in the transformative power of self-exploration. As I continue to walk alongside my clients on their existential journeys, I am inspired by the capacity for growth and positive change that emerges from the profound exploration of life's deepest questions.
Gestalt
In my journey as a therapist, the Gestalt treatment method has proven to be a transformative and powerful approach that resonates deeply with my counseling philosophy. Embracing the holistic nature of human experience, Gestalt therapy aligns seamlessly with my commitment to understanding clients within the context of their present moment and fostering self-awareness.
Gestalt therapy, founded on the principles of awareness, personal responsibility, and the here-and-now, has allowed me to guide clients toward a fuller understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. As a therapist, I facilitate a collaborative exploration where clients can become more attuned to their present experiences, both internally and in their interactions with others.
One of the key aspects of Gestalt therapy that I integrate into my practice is the emphasis on the integration of fragmented parts of the self. Encouraging clients to explore and embrace all facets of their being, including aspects they may have disowned or suppressed, helps in fostering a more authentic and cohesive self-identity. This process often involves utilizing experiential techniques such as role-playing, empty chair work, and mindfulness exercises.
The concept of "unfinished business" in Gestalt therapy has been particularly insightful in helping clients recognize and address unresolved issues from the past that may be influencing their current experiences. By bringing these unresolved emotions and conflicts into the present moment, clients can gain clarity and work towards closure, fostering personal growth and emotional healing.
In my sessions, I also emphasize the importance of the therapeutic relationship itself. Gestalt therapy places great significance on the quality of the therapist-client relationship, and I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings openly.
Furthermore, the focus on personal responsibility in Gestalt therapy aligns with my belief in empowering clients to take charge of their lives. Helping clients recognize and take ownership of their choices and actions contributes to a sense of agency and self-efficacy.
Overall, my experience with Gestalt therapy has enriched my counseling practice by providing a holistic framework that fosters self-awareness, integration, and personal responsibility. It continues to be an invaluable tool in facilitating meaningful and transformative therapeutic experiences for my clients.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
As a therapist, my journey with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has been transformative, both professionally and personally. Implementing this evidence-based treatment method in my counseling practice has not only enriched my therapeutic approach but has also significantly improved the lives of my clients.
DBT, developed by Dr. Marsha M. Linehan, blends cognitive-behavioral techniques with principles of acceptance and mindfulness. My introduction to DBT began with extensive training and ongoing education, which equipped me with the necessary skills to integrate its four primary modules – mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness – into my counseling sessions.
One of the core components of my experience with DBT has been its emphasis on balancing acceptance and change. In my role as a therapist, I've found that this balance is crucial, especially when working with clients who struggle with intense emotions, self-destructive behaviors, and challenges in interpersonal relationships.
Mindfulness, the first module of DBT, has become an integral part of my practice. I guide my clients in cultivating awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present moment without judgment. This skill not only fosters emotional regulation but also enhances their overall well-being.
Distress tolerance, the second module, equips clients with effective coping strategies for navigating crisis situations without resorting to destructive behaviors. This has been particularly valuable for clients dealing with impulsivity and emotional dysregulation.
Emotion regulation, the third module, focuses on identifying and managing intense emotions. Through psychoeducation and practical exercises, clients learn to understand the function of their emotions and develop healthier ways to express and cope with them.
The fourth module, interpersonal effectiveness, addresses challenges in communication and relationships. I guide clients in developing assertiveness skills, setting boundaries, and enhancing their ability to navigate social interactions successfully.
Incorporating DBT into my practice has allowed me to tailor treatment plans to the individual needs of my clients. Whether working with individuals struggling with mood disorders, self-harm, or difficulties in relationships, the versatility of DBT has proven invaluable.
Furthermore, the emphasis on a dialectical approach, encouraging the synthesis of seemingly opposing ideas, has enriched my therapeutic conversations. This approach has fostered a collaborative relationship with my clients, promoting a sense of validation and understanding that is crucial to the therapeutic process.
Witnessing the positive transformations in my clients, as they develop new skills and coping mechanisms, has been incredibly rewarding. DBT has not only strengthened my therapeutic toolkit but has also deepened my appreciation for the resilience and potential for growth within each individual.
As a therapist, the ongoing journey with DBT continues to inspire and challenge me, prompting a commitment to lifelong learning and an unwavering dedication to providing effective, compassionate, and evidence-based care for those who seek support on their journey to healing and self-discovery.
