Cheryl Graham, PMHNP - Psychiatric NP at Grow Therapy

Cheryl Graham

Cheryl Graham

PMHNP
21 years of experience
Virtual

I am a Nurse Practitioner specializing in both family and psychiatric-mental health care. With extensive experience since 2003, I integrate holistic and person-centered approaches to treat patients comprehensively. My focus is on empowering clients through increased knowledge, a sense of control, and personalized care. I treat patients like family, emphasizing the importance of understanding each individual's unique needs and fostering a supportive & compassionate environment.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In their first mental health session, clients can expect the following: Introduction and Rapport Building The session typically begins with introducing themselves and explaining their background, approach to therapy, and confidentiality policies. This helps build a foundation of trust and comfort. Information Gathering The provider will ask about the client’s current concerns, symptoms, and reasons for seeking therapy. They might inquire about the client's medical history, mental health history, family background, and any previous experiences with therapy. Assessment To gain a comprehensive understanding, the provider may use various assessment tools or questionnaires to evaluate the client’s mental health status. This helps in identifying specific issues and developing a treatment plan. Goal Setting The client and provider will discuss what the client hopes to achieve through therapy. This might include short-term goals for immediate concerns and long-term goals for overall mental health and well-being. Establishing a Treatment Plan Based on the information gathered, the provider will outline a treatment plan, including the frequency of sessions, therapeutic techniques to be used (such as CBT, mindfulness, etc.), and any homework or self-help strategies. Questions and Clarification The client will have the opportunity to ask questions and clarify any doubts they may have about the process. This ensures that they are comfortable and informed about what to expect in future sessions. Next Steps The session typically concludes with scheduling the next appointment and providing any initial recommendations or resources the client can utilize before the next session. Overall, the first session is a foundational meeting where the provider and client begin to build a therapeutic relationship and outline a path forward for treatment.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

As a professional, my greatest strengths lie in my holistic and integrative approach to patient care, my extensive experience and expertise in both family and psychiatric-mental health nursing, and my strong commitment to treating patients with empathy and respect. Holistic and Integrative Approach I believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. This involves considering physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual factors in my care plans. By using an integrative medicine approach, I can incorporate various therapies and practices that promote overall well-being and health. Extensive Experience and Expertise With over two decades of experience as a nurse practitioner specializing in both family and psychiatric-mental health, I have developed a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health conditions and their interplay with physical health. This dual specialization allows me to provide comprehensive care that addresses a wide range of health issues. Empathy and Respect I am deeply committed to viewing and treating my patients as individuals, not just as their mental illness or medical condition. My approach is person-centered, focusing on empowering patients and supporting their decisions. This helps build trust and encourages patients to take an active role in their health care. Strong Communication and Education Skills My ability to clearly communicate with patients and educate them about their health conditions and treatment options is a key strength. This not only helps patients understand their health better but also enables them to make informed decisions about their care. Adaptability and Continuous Learning In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, staying updated with the latest research and treatment modalities is crucial. I am committed to continuous learning and adapting my practice to incorporate new evidence-based approaches that can benefit my patients. These strengths collectively enable me to provide high-quality, compassionate, and effective care to my patients, helping them achieve better health outcomes and an improved quality of life.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I am best positioned to serve clients who are seeking a comprehensive, integrative approach to healthcare. This includes individuals and families needing primary care services, those dealing with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders, and patients looking for holistic and functional medicine solutions. I excel in working with clients who value a compassionate, person-centered approach and are interested in understanding and managing their health conditions through a combination of traditional and alternative therapies. My ideal clients are those who are open to collaboration and active participation in their healthcare journey, aiming to achieve optimal wellness and mental health.

About Cheryl Graham

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Experience with CBT: I have experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), both in training and practical application. As a Nurse Practitioner specializing in both family and psychiatric-mental health, I have used CBT as a fundamental approach in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders. Training and Certification: My training in CBT includes formal education during my advanced practice nursing programs, as well as ongoing professional development through workshops, seminars, and continuing education. This has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to implement CBT techniques in clinical practice effectively. Application in Practice: 1. Assessment and Case Formulation: o Initial Assessment: During the initial assessment, I gather comprehensive information about the patient's history, current symptoms, and specific problems they want to address. This includes identifying automatic thoughts, cognitive distortions, and behavioral patterns. o Case Formulation: Based on the assessment, I develop a case formulation that outlines the patient's presenting problems, the cognitive and behavioral factors maintaining these problems, and the treatment plan. 2. CBT Techniques: o Cognitive Restructuring: I help patients identify and challenge negative and irrational thoughts and replace them with more balanced and rational ones. o Behavioral Activation: For patients with depression, I use behavioral activation to encourage engagement in meaningful activities, thereby increasing positive reinforcement from their environment. o Exposure Therapy: For anxiety and PTSD, I use exposure techniques to help patients gradually face their fears in a controlled and systematic way, reducing avoidance behaviors. o Skill Building: I teach patients coping skills such as relaxation techniques, problem-solving, and assertiveness training, which are essential for managing stress and improving overall functioning. 3. Monitoring and Evaluation: o Progress Monitoring: Throughout the therapy process, I regularly monitor the patient's progress using standardized assessment tools and feedback from the patient. This ensures that the treatment plan is effective and allows for adjustments as needed. o Outcome Evaluation: At the end of the treatment, I evaluate the outcomes to determine the overall effectiveness of the therapy. This includes assessing improvements in symptoms, functioning, and quality of life. Impact on Patients: Using CBT, I have seen significant improvements in patients' mental health. Many have reported reduced symptoms, better coping mechanisms, and an increased sense of control and well-being. By addressing both cognitive and behavioral aspects, CBT provides a comprehensive approach to treatment, empowering patients to make lasting changes in their lives. Conclusion: CBT is a versatile and evidence-based approach I integrate into my practice to help patients achieve their mental health goals. My experience with CBT has shown me its effectiveness in promoting positive change and enhancing the quality of life for individuals struggling with various psychological issues.