Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in North Carolina. I received my Master's from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. I have been working in the mental health field since 2012 and believe in making a safe space for healing and growing. I want to assure you that my primary goal is to create a therapeutic relationship built on trust, respect, and collaboration. Your comfort and well-being are my utmost priority, and I am committed to tailoring our sessions to meet your unique needs, preferences, and goals.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session together, I will aim to create a comfortable and supportive environment where you feel safe to share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. I will then gather information about your presenting issues, history, and goals for therapy. Then, we will collaborate to establish goals for therapy based on your needs and objectives. These goals may be broad or specific and can include symptom reduction, improved coping skills, increased self-awareness, or achieving personal growth and development.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I want everyone to be glad they decided to embark on the journey for more positive mental health. I believe everyone is unique in their journey and I do not believe in a one-size fits all therapy. I am skilled in evidenced-based therapies but have seen many clients who benefit from integrating mindfulness, self-compassion, and holistic approaches. I believe in cultivating a greater sense of balance, resilience, and well-being in your life.
About Audra Westbrook
Appointments
Virtual
My treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT emphasizes acceptance of one's thoughts, feelings, and experiences, rather than trying to change or suppress them. By accepting these inner experiences, individuals can reduce their struggle with them, leading to decreased emotional distress. I have used ACT successfully in treating depression, anxiety, chronic pain, substance use, stress regulation, and serious health conditions.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used and effective form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT is effective for a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, and substance abuse. It offers practical tools and strategies that individuals can use to challenge negative thinking patterns, change unhelpful behaviors, and improve their overall quality of life.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT aims to help individuals build a life worth living by increasing their emotional resilience, interpersonal effectiveness, and overall well-being. It provides practical skills and strategies that individuals can use to cope with distressing emotions, improve relationships, and achieve their goals. Not only have I used this modality with those with borderline personality disorder, but I have also found its practical skills useful in improving emotional regulation, relationships, suicidal ideation, and self-harming behaviors.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness-based therapy offers a holistic approach to mental health and well-being, emphasizing the cultivation of present-moment awareness, acceptance, and compassion. It has been applied across various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse, with growing empirical support for its effectiveness.
Grief Therapy
Grief therapy aims to provide comfort, validation, and guidance to individuals as they navigate the complex and challenging journey of grief. It offers tools, support, and resources to help individuals cope with loss, find meaning in their experiences, and ultimately move forward with their lives while honoring the memory of their loved one. However, grief therapy is not only for those mourning the loss of a loved one, grief can also occur from many different events, including aging, physical health concerns, and lost relationships.
