Dr. Marinette Zibi is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who graduated from Walden University. Her background includes child and adolescent psychiatry, psychosomatic medicine, and substance use medicine. Her experience encompasses child and adolescent psychiatry, psychosomatic medicine, and substance use medicine. Dr. Zibi’s clinical career has led her through various aspects of the healthcare system in outpatient settings, where she has managed the care of individuals with mental illness and substance abuse disorders.

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

As We Work Together Over Time: Establishing Goals: Emphasize that therapy is a collaborative process where we work together to set and achieve specific goals. Goals may evolve as therapy progresses, so we will revisit them periodically. Building Trust: Mention that as the therapeutic relationship develops, trust and rapport will grow, allowing for deeper exploration of thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Insight and Change: Explain that therapy is about gaining insight into oneself and developing new coping strategies. Change is often gradual, and setbacks can occur, but these are normal parts of the process. Feedback and Communication: Encourage open communication about what is and isn't working in therapy. Let the patient know they can provide feedback and ask questions at any time. Integration: As therapy progresses, the patient will learn to integrate the insights and skills acquired during sessions into their daily life. This can lead to greater emotional resilience and personal growth. Termination Planning: Discuss the possibility of termination when both you and the patient agree that their therapy goals have been met or that therapy is no longer necessary. Explain the process of winding down sessions and the importance of closure. Aftercare: Explain that even after therapy ends, the patient can reach out for follow-up sessions or support if needed. Highlight the importance of ongoing self-care and maintaining the skills learned in therapy. Confidentiality: Reiterate the importance of confidentiality and remind the patient that what is discussed in therapy is private, with exceptions only in cases where safety is a concern.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I am trained to provide a range of treatments and interventions to individuals with mental health conditions. My approach may vary based on the specific needs of my patients, the nature of their conditions, and my personal treatment philosophy. Some common treatment methods and tools I utilize are: Medication Management: As a PMHNP, I am authorized to prescribe and manage psychiatric medications. This includes antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety medications, and more. This involves evaluating the patient's symptoms, monitoring the effects of medication, adjusting dosages, and addressing any side effects or concerns. Psychotherapy: Providing various forms of psychotherapy, either independently or in collaboration with other mental health professionals. Common psychotherapeutic approaches include: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A goal-oriented therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Effective for individuals with emotional regulation difficulties, DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies. Motivational Interviewing (MI): A collaborative approach to help individuals resolve ambivalence and make positive changes in their behavior. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills. Family Therapy: Involves working with families to address conflicts and improve family dynamics. Psychiatric Assessment: To conduct comprehensive psychiatric assessments to diagnose mental health conditions. They evaluate a patient's mental and emotional state, medical history, family history, and any contributing factors to develop an accurate diagnosis. Patient Education: To educate patients and their families about mental health conditions, treatment options, and self-management strategies. This helps empower patients to actively participate in their care. Collaborative Care: PMHNPs often work in collaboration with other healthcare providers, such as psychologists, social workers, and primary care physicians, to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex needs. Crisis Intervention: PMHNPs are trained to assess and intervene in psychiatric crises, such as suicidal ideation, self-harm, or acute psychosis. They may initiate hospitalization or refer to emergency services when necessary. Telepsychiatry: With the growth of telemedicine, PMHNPs can provide remote mental health assessments and therapy sessions, increasing access to care for patients in underserved areas. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: PMHNPs may teach mindfulness and relaxation exercises to help patients manage stress, and anxiety, and improve overall emotional well-being. Peer Support and Group Therapy: PMHNPs may facilitate group therapy sessions or connect patients with peer support groups to promote social support and a sense of community. Holistic Approaches: Some PMHNPs incorporate holistic or complementary therapies, such as nutrition counseling, exercise recommendations, and mindfulness practices, into their treatment plans. Evidenced-Based Practices: PMHNPs rely on evidence-based practices and stay updated with the latest research and guidelines in the field of psychiatry and mental health.

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

Empathy and Compassion: One of my foundational strengths is my ability to empathize with your experiences and demonstrate genuine compassion. I understand that seeking help for mental health concerns can be challenging, and I am here to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can express your thoughts and feelings openly. Specialized Expertise: In addition to my general mental health training, I have specialized expertise in [mention your specific specialties]. This means that I have extensive knowledge and experience in addressing the unique challenges and issues related to [mention the specific niche or population, e.g., trauma survivors, adolescents, couples, etc.]. My specialized training allows me to offer targeted and effective interventions tailored to your needs. Collaborative Approach: I believe in a collaborative approach to therapy, where we work together as a team to identify your goals and create a treatment plan that aligns with your values and preferences. Your input is highly valued, and I encourage open communication throughout our sessions. Evidence-Based Practices: I am committed to providing evidence-based treatments that are supported by scientific research and have a proven track record of effectiveness. This ensures that the strategies and interventions we employ in therapy are grounded in the best available knowledge. Holistic Well-Being: While addressing your specific concerns, I also consider the broader aspects of your well-being. I understand that mental health is interconnected with physical health, relationships, and lifestyle factors. We can explore these areas as part of our therapeutic process to promote holistic well-being. Cultural Competence: I recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity. I am dedicated to understanding your cultural background, values, and beliefs to ensure that our therapeutic approach is culturally competent and respectful of your individuality. Flexibility: I understand that each person's journey is unique, and I am flexible in adapting our treatment plan as your needs evolve. We can adjust our approach to meet your changing circumstances and goals. Supportive Environment: My goal is to create a supportive and validating therapeutic environment where you feel heard and understood. I am here to assist you in developing coping strategies, enhancing self-awareness, and fostering personal growth. Goal-Oriented: We will work together to establish clear and achievable therapy goals. I will regularly assess progress and make adjustments to our treatment plan to ensure we are moving in the right direction. Continual Growth: I am committed to my own professional growth and stay updated on the latest developments in the field of mental health to provide you with the best possible care.

About Dr. Marinette Zibi