Hello! I am glad to meet you! I am Austin, and I graduated with a PhD in Psychology from Capella University. Before then, I received a master’s degree from Troy University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Paris VII. I am a licensed professional Counselor (LPC) in the states of Arizona and South Carolina. I am also an independent licensed addiction counselor (LAC) in the State of South Carolina. I have been licensed for over 15 years and have worked with many people and populations to feel better and live their best life! The pressures of being everything to everyone can be overwhelming. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families in residential and outpatient settings. I have provided treatment for individuals of all ages with a variety of conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I have had successful experience in addressing Stress, Anxiety, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Depression, Relationship issues, Addictions, Parenting issues, Adjustment issues/Coping with life changes, self-esteem, and Anger management. I have also worked with adolescents to prevent out of home placement or a run with the Department of Juvenile Justice. Maybe you feel as if the weight of the world is upon your shoulders. Perhaps you feel as if friends and family don't understand, or don't have time in their own lives to hear your problems. Life can be full of feelings of depression, anxiety and all the in-between. You want to find peace and relief from the things that are holding you back and I am here for you. If you are looking to address stress and reduce symptoms, my practice is one of acceptance. My/our time together is free of judgment. You do not need to be fixed; you just need to rediscover the tools that you already have within you.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
My method is primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach but also incorporates aspects of Solution-Focused techniques with many individuals. If you are looking to address stress and reduce symptoms, my practice is one of acceptance. My/our time together is free of judgment. You do not need to be fixed; you just need to rediscover the tools that you already have within you. I pride myself on being real, relatable, and warm. I want our time together to be the time during the week where you can put yourself first. I am not a yes man who will just listen to you, I will give you specific strategies and "homework" that will help you to feel more immediate results.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a provider, my greatest strength is two fold; I believe that a holistic and mindful approach to therapy can help relieve the stress of the issues that bring you to therapy. In addition, our connection will help you to understand yourself better and give your insight to determine what you need to do to make changes and achieve balance for a happier life.
About Austin Obika
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most widely used evidence-based intervention for treating issues like anxiety, depression, and many other challenges not mentioned here. I used it short term (once a week for 3-5 months) to focus on the specific issues that needed to be addressed. For example, with anxiety, I focus on helping clients change unrealistic beliefs about the likelihood and true cost of anticipated harms by using various cognitive and behavioral (e.g., exposure) techniques
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is based on the idea that painful thoughts and feelings are part of the human condition and that trying to avoid or control them only causes more suffering. With ACT, I help clients develop greater psychological flexibility by teaching them to accept their difficult thoughts and feelings in a nonjudgmental way. They can also learn to act on their values, even in the midst of their painful feelings. To accomplish this, I use various mindfulness techniques as well as behavior-changing strategies
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure therapy is a type of CBT that gradually exposes you to the ideas or objects that trigger your anxiety or fear. This is done in a controlled and supportive environment so you can learn to manage your anxiety and reduce avoidant behaviors. In the past, I have used this technique to control specific phobias, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Eclectic
Here is all about using multiple methods that works for any given situation regardless of the circumstances