Bertrona Freeman

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

My experience with cognitive behavioral therapy allows me to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and life experiences. I use CBT to support individuals who are navigating substance use concerns, anger, grief, trauma, emotional regulation, relationship stress, and major life transitions. In sessions, I help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns, recognize triggers, challenge cognitive distortions, and develop healthier ways of responding to stress, conflict, cravings, and emotional pain. My approach is practical, collaborative, and client-centered, meaning I work with clients to explore how their thoughts and behaviors may be impacting their choices, relationships, and overall well-being. I also focus on skill-building so clients can apply what they learn in therapy to real-life situations outside of session. Through CBT, I support clients in increasing self-awareness, improving emotional regulation, strengthening coping skills, building accountability, and creating more balanced perspectives. My goal is to make CBT relatable and useful by helping clients move from simply talking about problems to actively developing tools for meaningful and lasting change.

Motivational Interviewing

My experience with motivational interviewing allows me to support clients in exploring change in a way that feels respectful, empowering, and nonjudgmental. I understand that change can be difficult, especially when clients are struggling with substance use, grief, anger, trauma relationship stress, emotional regulation, or major life transitions. Through motivational interviewing, I help clients identify their own reasons for change, explore doubts about change, recognize personal strengths, and build confidence in their ability to make healthier choices. My approach is collaborative rather than forceful, meaning I do not shame or pressure clients into change. Instead, I work with them to better understand what matters to them, what may be keeping them stuck, and what steps feel realistic and meaningful. The approach is especially helpful for clients who may feel uncertain, resistant, overwhelmed, or discouraged because it allows them to move at a pace that supports honesty and self-awareness. By using open-ended questions, reflective listening, encouragement, and goal-focused conversations, I help clients increase motivation, strengthen accountability, and take practical steps toward healing, stability, and personal growth.

Christian Counseling

My experience with christian counseling allows me to support clients who desire to include their faith, spiritual beliefs, and relationship with God as part of their healing process . I understand that many clients draw strength, guidance, comfort, and hope from their faith, especially navigating substance use concerns, anger, grief, trauma, emotional regulation, relationship stress, and major life transitions. My approach is compassionate, respectful, and client-centered, meaning I meet clients where they are spiritually and emotionally without judgement or pressure. If desired and when appropriate, I help clients explore how their faith can support healthier coping skills, forgiveness, accountability, emotional healing, decision-making and personal growth. Christian counseling can be especially helpful for clients who are seeking meaning, restoration, peace, and direction while working through painful experiences or difficult patterns. I may incorporate faith-based reflection, prayer, scripture, values exploration, and spiritual encouragement based on the client's comfort level and goals. My goal is to create a safe space where clients can process real-life challenges while also strengthening their sense of purpose, hope, and connection to God as they work toward healing and lasting change.