Bitini Pannell, a licensed Professional Counselor in Texas, exhibits a profound dedication to supporting individuals facing mental health challenges, including trauma, depression, anxiety, and stress. Her professional journey, extending over 10 years, has been marked by a deep commitment to providing compassionate and effective care to her clients. Following her academic pursuits, Bitini initiated her career in counseling at a community mental health center, crisis field response, criminal justice/prison systems and hospitals. This role involved delivering therapy to individuals presenting a wide array of mental health concerns, often working with the most underserved and acute populations, thereby enriching her expertise in the field. Bitini's specialization encompasses trauma therapy and somatic therapy, but her therapeutic repertoire extends beyond these. She skillfully integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into her practice. CBT, a widely recognized psychotherapeutic treatment, helps clients identify and challenge distorted cognitions and develop more balanced and constructive thinking patterns. DBT, on the other hand, is particularly effective in teaching skills for emotional regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance, especially beneficial for clients with intense emotional responses or those exhibiting self-destructive behaviors. Additionally, Bitini utilizes mindfulness and solution-focused therapy techniques. Mindfulness encourages clients to engage with the present moment in a non-judgmental manner, enhancing their awareness and acceptance of their thoughts and feelings. This approach is instrumental in managing stress and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Solution-focused therapy, with its future-oriented and goal-directed framework, aids clients in identifying and harnessing their strengths and resources to constructively address their problems. Her holistic approach, incorporating both mind and body through somatic therapy, is particularly effective for clients who have endured diverse traumatic experiences. These include childhood trauma, neurodivergence, sexual assault, and domestic violence. Understanding that each client’s experience is unique, Bitini meticulously tailors her therapy to align with their individual experiences and needs.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In your first virtual therapy session, you can expect a comprehensive and structured approach aimed at establishing a strong therapeutic relationship and understanding your unique needs. This session typically lasts between 45 to 60 minutes. 1. Introduction: The therapist will introduce themselves, explaining their qualifications, therapeutic approach, and confidentiality policies. This sets a professional and reassuring tone for the session. 2. Technical Setup: The session will begin with ensuring the technical aspects are in order, such as a stable internet connection, proper audio and video settings, and a secure, private environment for open communication. 3. Discussion of Expectations: Both you and the therapist will discuss your expectations and goals for therapy. This includes addressing any immediate concerns or reasons that prompted you to seek therapy. 4. Assessment: A significant portion of the first session involves a comprehensive assessment. This may include discussing your psychological history, current mental health symptoms, life circumstances, and any relevant medical information. This assessment is crucial for the therapist to understand your background and tailor future sessions accordingly. 5. Therapeutic Plan: Towards the end of the session, the therapist may outline a preliminary therapeutic plan, including the frequency of sessions, therapeutic techniques that may be used, and initial steps or tasks. 6. Q&A: You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and express any concerns. This is important for establishing comfort and transparency in the therapeutic relationship. 7. Next Steps: The session will conclude with scheduling the next appointment and discussing any immediate strategies or resources you can use to manage your concerns until the next session.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Bitini and your relationship is the most important part of your therapy together. Her biggest strength is making the therapeutic process welcoming, warming, comfortable and natural. It is Bitini’s priority to make you feel heard, understood and seen.