LCPC, 25 years of experience
Hello, I'm Tekoa, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor specializing in Addiction Therapy, I address the multifaceted challenges that often accompany substance use. If drugs or alcohol have negatively impacted your life, affecting your stability, family relationships, or career, and you feel trapped in a cycle of desperation, I offer a supportive path forward. I am committed to understanding your aspirations for sobriety, recovery, and overall well-being. Together, we will navigate the complexities of this journey in a safe and collaborative space, addressing underlying issues such as low self-worth, shame, guilt, unforgiveness, denial, dishonesty, pain, and loss. My therapeutic approach is direct and solution-focused. We will collaboratively explore the factors contributing to your current situation and develop a clear plan for positive change. While acknowledging the impact of external circumstances, I emphasize personal responsibility for life choices and the capacity for self-directed change. You possess the strength to achieve your goals, and I am here to partner with you in that process.
Coming into the first session is a courageous step, and my goal is to make it as comfortable as possible. We won't jump into deep trauma. Instead, we'll focus on clarity and safety. I'll start by ensuring you understand confidentiality and answering any questions you have. We'll then discuss what brought you here today and what a successful recovery looks like to you. You'll leave the first session with a sense of relief, a clearer understanding of your next step, and an initial plan for how we can immediately start addressing the most urgent issues impacting your life."
My greatest strength is my ability to provide a level of insight, hope, and realistic perspective that goes beyond clinical knowledge. By integrating my professional expertise with personal experience, I can anticipate common roadblocks and effectively guide you through the process, especially when facing feelings of unforgiveness, denial, or relapse risks. I don't just teach courage and resilience—I embody the belief that it's possible for you. I offer a space where you are seen, understood, and consistently challenged to step into the strong, sober person you are meant to be."
My practice is dedicated to serving anyone grappling with the challenges of addiction and recovery, regardless of background, identity, or circumstance. If you are struggling with sobriety, feel trapped in a cycle of substance use, or need a clear path forward, this is a safe, non-judgmental space for you. I am uniquely positioned to offer a deeper level of insight for clients navigating the complexities of recovery, particularly when it intersects with cultural stigma, social barriers, or systemic pressures. If you're seeking a therapist who understands how generational trauma, identity, and societal challenges impact addiction, I offer impactful, culturally-sensitive support for all who are ready to heal."
My approach is truly Integrative, meaning I hand-select the best tools to fit your unique journey. We won't use a one-size-fits-all model. For instance, we'll use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to immediately challenge and stop the cycle of negative self-talk, and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to harness your intrinsic desire to change. We'll use DBT and Mindfulness to build powerful, practical coping skills to manage intense emotions and cravings. Crucially, if it is important to you, we can also integrate your personal faith, values, or spirituality into our work. I recognize that a client's spiritual life can be a powerful source of strength, hope, and external motivation in recovery, and we can explore how your personal beliefs play a constructive role in your healing. By blending these evidence-based methods, my objective is to empower you to modify the thoughts and behaviors that maintain distress, leading to meaningful and sustainable positive change.