My business, North Star Behavioral Health, LLC, is the culmination of a long, diverse career in behavioral health. Briefly, I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1999. Although my social work clinical background was sound I realized, after having worked in many medical settings, I needed a more complete understanding of how a person's medical condition affects their mood and behavior. As a life-long learner, I went to nursing school and have been a Registered Nurse since 2008. Once licensed as a RN, I had a 10 year practice focused on the psychiatric care of seniors. The combination of my clinical experience as a LCSW combined with the medical and psychiatric care of seniors as a RN has been invaluable in helping me deliver quality care to seniors as they age.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I'll begin this piece asking you an important question: "When was the last time you actually felt someone listened to you?" Because of our fast-paced world, I'm guessing it's an infrequent experience. When we meet, I will take the time to listen, understand and relate to you. That work and experience goes a long way in establishing a trusting, hopeful relationship that may lead to a better future. After first sessions with my clients, they are typically more relaxed, feel validated, and voice hope for their future.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My educational and clinical background as a therapist and psychiatric nurse is unique among my peers. The combination of these two professions has given me a more clear picture and understaning of each client and has better positioned me to help them. As noted above, I am a life-long learner. This curiosity about life and the choices we make were instrumental in leading me into this profession.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Although many of us are diligent and work hard to prepare for life as we age, the cold reality may be shocking. This is especially true when life circumsatnces begin to manage us more than we manage them. Because of years of experience as a clinical therapist and nurse, I am uniquely qualified to help others cope with and manage this life stage.
About Ed Eakes
Specializes in
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Address
5411 Grand Boulevard, New Port Richey, FL 34652, 109Appointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Through many years of practice, I've learned that the most effective way to help clients is the combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused care. Early in life we form beliefs about ourself, others, the world and what we must do to make our way in our world. Generally, I believe, we are unaware of how our thinking affects our emotions and behavior. Becoming aware of and safely challenging your beliefs and patterns of thinking is important but only one piece of our work. Secondly, I will focus our work on positive, solution focused care that identifies strengths and resilience you my draw upon to better manage life's changes and challenges. The combination of changing your thinking and identifying and building upon internal strengths will help you manage life circumstances more than they manage you.