I am a CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) practitioner. My primary goal as a therapist is to assist clients to reach their goals and to maximize happiness/well-being through making cognitive and behavioral changes. My secondary goal is to assist clients to have the necessary tools and skills to be their own therapist/self-help expert. I have been practicing, and studying the philosophical roots of, CBT since 2007. From 2007 to 2017, I worked as a CBT practitioner within the criminal justice system. During that time, I earned my Masters Degree (2016) and became licensed in Texas (2017). Common issues I assist clients with include: making desired change (anger management, substance abuse, reducing distress due to depression/anxiety); and assisting clients to navigate significant life transitions (terminal illness, loss, grief, aging issues, incarceration/re-entry, medical decline, and acceptance). Therapeutic sessions involve changing what can be changed, accepting those things that cannot be changed, and applying cognitive and behavioral methods to maximize happiness/well-being. I practice a strengths-based form of CBT/Positive CBT, with a dose of its Stoic roots, and emphasize the truth that we do have the power to change ourselves, and the power to maximize our own happiness/well-being. It is my hope that clients will gain the tools to become their own therapist/self-help expert!

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

During our first session, we will explore: 1) Your current distress, concerns, and adversities. 2) Your strengths, successes, and supports. 3) The cognitive model (how our thoughts and behaviors influence our well-being/happiness). 4) Your goals for therapy. 5) Begin an ongoing exploration of methods to change the thoughts and behaviors that will increase well-being. 6) Mutually agreed-upon self-help activities. 7) Plan for our next session. After the first session, we will address: 1. Domains of distress and an exploration of the thoughts and behaviors that may be adding to/perpetuating distress. 2. Methods of observing and changing the thoughts and beliefs that lead to distress. 3. Exploring/experimenting with behavioral change. 4. Domains of well-being, treatment successes. 5. Self-help activities.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

I practice strengths-based CBT, and emphasize the truth that we have the power to change ourselves and increase our happiness/well-being. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral methods of: cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, skills acquisition, and problem solving methodologies.

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

My strengths include: "meeting clients where they are"; assisting clients to clearly define their goals for treatment, and to explore realistic methods of achieving those goals. While assisting clients to reach their goals, we also work to equip clients with all of the necessary tools to become their own self-help expert.

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

* Adults desiring assistance with making changes due to depression, anxiety, anger, familial conflict, substance abuse, loss/grief, and life transitions. * Adults experiencing various forms of life transitions or those who are caring for others experiencing medical decline/terminal illness.

About Todd L Oyler