LP, 9 years of experience
My name is Normarie Torres-García and I completed my PhD in Clinical Psychology, from the Ponce Health Sciences University in Puerto Rico, and my Postdoctoral Fellowship in Integrated Behavioral Health in Primary Care in The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. I have a strong background in delivering culturally sensitive services within a patient-centered model and I maintain a strong interest in working within other models of evidence-based interventions and health-care integration.
Thank you so much for reaching out. I'm happy to hear about your interest in starting therapy and I'm honored that you are taking the first step! I always like to start this process with an intro phone consultation, at no cost, to learn about what motivates you to seek therapy and how I may be able to help. In this challenging and changing world, making the decision to seek psychotherapy support can be startling yet very worthwhile. I will collaborate with you to assess your life challenges and will help you to grow from your struggles in a neutral safe space and unconditional support through this journey.
I offer supportive, non-judgmental, and effective practices to help you.
My approach to psychotherapy is flexible and based on respect, commitment and evidence-based practices. I specialize in working with adults and elders who are experiencing adjustment issues, depression, anxiety, and relational difficulties. In therapy I practice transparency and empathy as a way to promote equality, awareness and empowerment.
CBT is a treatment approach that helps you recognize negative or unhelpful thought and behavior patterns. CBT aims to help you identify and explore the ways your emotions and thoughts can affect your actions. CBT addresses the here and now, and focuses less on the past. I use CBT to address different Dx: eg. depression, anxiety. CBT has been shown to be very effective in decreasing symptoms and modifying patterns.
I have experience integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into my clinical practice to support clients struggling with a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and chronic stress. ACT is particularly useful when clients are experiencing internal conflict, emotional avoidance, or difficulty aligning their behavior with their core values. In my work, I use ACT to help clients develop psychological flexibility by guiding them through six core processes: acceptance, cognitive defusion, being present, self-as-context, values clarification, and committed action. I support clients in identifying and making room for uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, rather than resisting or avoiding them, and shifting focus toward meaningful action based on personal values.
I have clinical experience utilizing Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), an evidence-based treatment primarily used for individuals diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and other anxiety-related disorders. ERP is considered the gold standard in OCD treatment and is effective in reducing compulsive behaviors, avoidance, and the intensity of anxiety over time. In my practice, I use ERP by working collaboratively with clients to identify their specific obsessions and compulsions and develop a personalized exposure hierarchy. We then engage in gradual, systematic exposure to feared thoughts, situations, or stimuli while supporting the client in resisting the associated compulsive or avoidant response. This process helps retrain the brain to tolerate distress and uncertainty without relying on rituals or avoidance for relief.
I have extensive experience incorporating Motivational Interviewing (MI) into my clinical practice to support clients who are navigating ambivalence, struggling with behavior change, or feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns. MI is a client-centered, directive approach that enhances motivation by helping individuals explore and resolve internal resistance in a nonjudgmental and collaborative way. In my work, I use MI with clients facing a range of concerns, including health-related behavior change, mood disorders, and treatment engagement. MI allows me to meet clients where they are, respecting their autonomy while gently guiding them toward recognizing their own reasons for change.
I utilize Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) in my clinical work to help clients quickly identify and build on their existing strengths, resources, and past successes to move toward meaningful change. SFBT is a goal-directed, future-oriented approach that emphasizes solutions rather than focusing extensively on problems or pathology. In my practice, I apply SFBT with clients dealing with a wide range of concerns, including adjustment issues, relationship conflicts, stress, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. This method is particularly effective for clients who are seeking short-term support or who may feel overwhelmed by problem-saturated narratives.