I specialize in working with individuals who struggle with overwhelming feelings, anxiety, stress, loss, heartbreak, and emotional turmoil. Whether you're facing trauma, grief, or simply looking to find peace amidst life's challenges, I am here to help you navigate your mental health journey. I take a compassionate, client-centered approach, offering a safe space where you can express yourself without judgment. My goal is to help you unpack your emotions and experiences, working together to create a personalized blueprint tailored to your needs. Life can be difficult, but therapy offers an opportunity to regain control and rewrite your own story.
In our first few sessions, you can expect to feel heard, supported, and understood as we build a trusting therapeutic relationship. I work collaboratively with you to explore your unique struggles and find practical tools to manage them. What makes my practice unique is my deep commitment to creating a space of empathy and understanding where you can be your authentic self. I believe that healing happens when we have the freedom to express our feelings, and I am dedicated to being with you every step of the way on your path to mental wellness. I’m passionate about this work because I know firsthand how empowering it is to feel seen and supported. It's a privilege to walk with you toward a healthier, more peaceful version of yourself. Contact me today to schedule an initial consultation and begin your journey toward a healthier, happier you. Your well-being is my priority, and I am here to help.
One of the key strengths I bring to my practice is the ability to listen attentively and without judgment. I believe that deep, active listening is at the heart of any therapeutic relationship. It helps me understand not only the surface-level issues but also the underlying emotions and patterns that may be contributing to a client's struggles. This allows me to connect with clients on a deeper level and ensure they feel heard and understood. I’m committed to meeting clients where they are, tailoring each therapeutic approach to their unique needs, experiences, and goals. I understand that everyone is different, so I avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether it's through CBT, mindfulness techniques, or other strategies, I focus on what works best for each individual, adapting as we go.
Having overwhelming feelings, struggling to find a sense of peace or solidarity? Unpack your stress, pain, loss, anxiety, fears, heartbreak and overwhelming feelings with me. Life's experiences can become challenging and traumatic, but seeking therapy can be the start to taking control and narrating your own story.
Miata Cook offers therapy covered by Kaiser Permanente - Medicaid and UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Virginia.
In my practice, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been an essential approach I use to help clients overcome a wide range of challenges. Over the years, I have found CBT to be incredibly effective in helping individuals identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their emotional distress. When I first began working with CBT, I was immediately drawn to how practical and structured it is. The idea that changing our thoughts can directly influence our feelings and behaviors resonated with me, and I saw firsthand how clients could experience relief by simply recognizing and challenging their negative thinking. In my practice, I work collaboratively with clients to identify specific goals, whether that’s reducing anxiety, improving self-esteem, or overcoming depressive symptoms. From there, we dive into understanding the thoughts and behaviors that are maintaining their struggles. For example, if someone tends to engage in "catastrophic thinking," I’ll help them identify those automatic thoughts and challenge their validity. Together, we explore healthier, more balanced perspectives, and I guide clients in replacing those negative thoughts with ones that are more aligned with reality.