Chelsea Mohammed
Life can sometimes feel like a series of tangled knots, and just as we work to untie one, another challenge may come to light. Therapy offers the opportunity to untangle those knots, opening the door to positive change and self-discovery. My goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where we can explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors together, helping you find clarity and relief. I use a tailored, evidence-based approach to meet your unique needs, whether you're facing anxiety, depression, past trauma, or seeking personal growth. My practice is grounded in interpersonal and person-centered theory, trauma-informed care, and cultural competence, with experience across diverse age groups and settings.
First session
I am a strong believer in establishing therapeutic rapport, as research shows that it's one of the key predictors of effectiveness in therapy, which makes it very important to me. In our first session, we'll talk through what brought you to therapy and the symptoms or challenges you're experiencing, and start building a plan together for how we move forward. My goal for this session is simple: to listen, get to know you, and understand who you are as you show up to this work.
Strengths
My approach is unique to each client. I incorporate humor and convey genuine interest in you as part of a rapport-building approach in session. I'm an active participant in sessions, without being disruptive, asking challenging and introspective questions to help you better understand yourself. I tend to focus on decision-making and core beliefs, using CBT and MI methods to help you reach your goals, while also holding space for your feelings along the way.
Ideal clients
Most of the clients I've worked with have navigated life transitions, relational challenges, and self-esteem struggles. My clinical expertise includes working with anxiety, depression, and trauma, informed by my clinical experience and specialized training. I welcome working with anyone experiencing these concerns who is looking to explore them further, work toward meaningful change, or simply have a space to process.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help you identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and core beliefs that may be driving some of the symptom or challenges you are experiencing. Together, we'll examine how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect, so you can build more effective ways of responding to life's challenges.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
For clients working through trauma, I draw on CPT to help identify and process "stuck points," or beliefs that developed in response to traumatic experiences and may be keeping you stuck. This approach helps you reframe those beliefs in a way that supports healing and moving forward.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I incorporate mindfulness skills from DBT to help you build awareness of the present moment, your emotions, and your reactions without judgment. This gives you tools to regulate emotions and stay present, even when things feel overwhelming.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
At the core of my approach is the belief that nobody knows you better than you. I offer genuine empathy, unconditional positive regard, and an active presence in session, while trusting you to lead the direction of your own growth.
Location
Virtual sessions