You are not alone, and there is hope. I understand that asking for help can be difficult, and finding a trusted provider to guide you through your mental health journey can be challenging. You don't have to suffer in silence; I am here to support you. I offer HIPAA-compliant telepsychiatry services for medication management and psychotherapy, allowing you to receive care from the privacy and comfort of your home or workplace. As a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) based in Newport Beach, California, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to my practice. I hold a Master's degree in Nursing, a Bachelor's Degree in Health Science with a focus on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), and a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Western Governors University. I became a Registered Nurse (RN) in 2016 and have been dedicated to mental health care ever since. I am here to help you on your path to wellness.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In your first session with me, you can expect a warm, compassionate, supportive, and safe environment where you are truly heard and valued. As a provider deeply committed to empowering you to see your worth, I approach our sessions with empathy where clients feel safe to explore their challenges and aspirations. My background in trauma-informed care enables me to approach treatment with sensitivity and awareness of how past experiences can impact current well-being. I am committed to empowering clients to discover their strengths, enhance their resilience, and achieve personal goals. I will listen carefully to your unique needs and experiences during our time together. My goal is to help you feel empowered and peaceful as you grow, heal, and work towards living the life of your dreams. We will explore your concerns, set goals, and create a personalized plan that supports your mental health journey. I see each client as an individual with their own story and potential for growth, and I am honored to support them on their journey towards healing and fulfillment. I am here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that you feel safe, understood, and cared for. Your well-being is my priority, and together, we will work towards achieving your goals and enhancing your overall quality of life.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As your provider, my greatest strength is creating a safe, compassionate space for your soul. I see each client with innate abilities for healing and wisdom. You're not broken; you've been hurt, and healing is possible. I deeply respect each client, nurturing an environment where you feel supported and empowered on your path toward healing and personal growth.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
All clients with psychiatric disorders that are in need of medication management and/or psychotherapy.
About Helene Morel
Helene Morel offers therapy covered by CalViva Health (Medi-Cal), Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Health Net (Medi-Cal), Health Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Orange County Mental Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal) and San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) in California.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Compassion Focused
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Paul Gilbert aimed at helping individuals develop and access their self-compassion to alleviate emotional distress and improve mental well-being. My experience with CFT spans several years, and I have found it to be a profoundly impactful method, particularly for clients dealing with shame, self-criticism, and trauma. How I Use CFT in My Practice Understanding and Balancing Emotions One of the foundational elements of CFT is helping clients understand the three emotional regulation systems: 1. Threat System: Associated with feelings of anxiety and anger. 2. Drive System: Linked to motivation and reward-seeking behavior. 3. Soothing System: Related to feelings of contentment and safety. In practice, I guide clients to recognize which system is dominant in their emotional experiences and work towards balancing these systems through self-compassion exercises. For example, a client overwhelmed by the threat system might engage in mindfulness and soothing practices to activate their soothing system. Incorporating Dr. Kristen Neff's Work I also integrate Dr. Kristen Neff's pioneering work on self-compassion into my practice. Dr. Neff's research and practical exercises complement CFT by providing clients with a robust framework for developing self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Her exercises, such as the Self-Compassion Break and the Loving-Kindness Meditation, are invaluable tools that help clients build a resilient and compassionate self. Developing Compassionate Mindsets CFT emphasizes the development of compassionate mindsets towards oneself and others. I utilize guided imagery exercises, where clients visualize a compassionate figure that embodies qualities such as wisdom, strength, and warmth. This figure helps them confront and manage distressing emotions with greater ease and kindness. Addressing Self-Criticism Self-criticism is a common issue among my clients. Using CFT, I help them understand the evolutionary basis of self-criticism and how it can be a defense mechanism. We then work on cultivating self-compassion through techniques such as compassionate letter writing, where clients write supportive and understanding letters to themselves from a compassionate perspective. Integrating Mindfulness Mindfulness is a core component of CFT. I incorporate mindfulness practices into sessions, teaching clients to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This helps them develop a compassionate awareness of their internal experiences, reducing the intensity of negative emotions and fostering a more balanced emotional state. Practical Exercises and Homework To reinforce the concepts learned in therapy, I often assign practical exercises for clients to practice between sessions. These might include: * Compassionate Breathing: Focusing on the breath while bringing to mind feelings of compassion and warmth. * Self-Compassion Breaks: Short pauses during the day to acknowledge suffering, offer kindness to oneself, and recognize shared human experiences. Impact and Outcomes The use of CFT and Dr. Neff's self-compassion work in my practice has yielded significant positive outcomes. Clients report reduced levels of anxiety, depression, and self-criticism. They also experience increased resilience, improved self-esteem, and a greater sense of connectedness with others. Witnessing clients transform their relationship with themselves through compassion has been incredibly rewarding. Conclusion Compassion-Focused Therapy, enhanced by Dr. Kristen Neff's self-compassion framework, is a powerful and transformative approach that helps individuals navigate their emotional landscapes with kindness and understanding. By fostering self-compassion, clients can develop healthier coping mechanisms, enhance their emotional well-being, and lead more fulfilling lives.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured form of cognitive-behavioral therapy developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan. It was initially created to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD) but has since been adapted for various mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. My experience with DBT has shown it to be an incredibly effective treatment method, particularly for clients who struggle with emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships. Core Components of DBT DBT comprises four main modules: 1. Mindfulness: Focusing on the present moment and developing awareness of thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. 2. Distress Tolerance: Building skills to tolerate and survive crises without resorting to self-destructive behaviors. 3. Emotion Regulation: Understanding and managing intense emotions to reduce emotional vulnerability. 4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Enhancing communication and relationship skills to assert needs and manage conflicts effectively. Implementing DBT Skills Training In my practice, I conduct individual therapy sessions and skills training sessions. During these sessions, I teach clients the core DBT skills and provide a safe space for them to practice and refine these skills. * Mindfulness Practices: I introduce clients to mindfulness exercises, such as mindful breathing and body scanning, to help them stay grounded in the present moment. This foundational skill enhances their ability to observe their experiences without being overwhelmed by them. * Distress Tolerance Techniques: Clients learn strategies like radical acceptance, self-soothing, and distraction techniques to manage crises and reduce the impulse to engage in harmful behaviors. These skills are particularly useful in helping clients cope with high-stress situations. * Emotion Regulation Skills: I work with clients to identify and label their emotions accurately, understand the triggers for their emotional responses, and develop healthy ways to express and regulate these emotions. This module includes activities such as emotion identification worksheets and mood tracking. * Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills: Through role-playing and other interactive exercises, clients practice assertiveness, setting boundaries, and negotiating their needs in relationships. These skills are crucial for improving their interpersonal interactions and reducing conflicts. Tailoring DBT to Individual Needs One of the strengths of DBT is its adaptability. I tailor DBT techniques to meet the specific needs of each client. For instance: * For clients with trauma histories: I integrate trauma-informed care approaches with DBT to ensure that clients feel safe and supported while processing distressing emotions and memories. * For clients with co-occurring disorders: I modify the pacing and intensity of DBT interventions to accommodate clients dealing with multiple mental health challenges simultaneously. Impact and Outcomes The use of DBT in my practice has led to significant improvements in clients' emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal relationships. Clients often report a greater sense of control over their emotions, reduced self-destructive behaviors, and enhanced communication skills. The structured yet flexible nature of DBT allows clients to build a toolkit of practical skills that they can use throughout their lives. Conclusion Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a versatile and effective treatment method that empowers clients to navigate their emotional landscapes with greater resilience and skill. By integrating mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness into therapy, DBT helps clients achieve lasting positive changes in their mental health and overall well-being.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely researched and evidence-based form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors. Developed by Dr. Aaron T. Beck in the 1960s, CBT has been proven effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and more. My experience with CBT has been extensive, and I have found it to be a powerful tool in helping clients achieve meaningful and lasting change. How I Use CBT in My Practice Assessment and Goal Setting At the outset of CBT, I work with clients to conduct a thorough assessment of their current challenges and identify specific, measurable goals for therapy. This collaborative process ensures that the treatment is tailored to the client's unique needs and circumstances. Identifying Negative Thought Patterns One of the core components of CBT is helping clients recognize and understand their automatic negative thoughts (ANTs). These thoughts often contribute to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors. I use various techniques, such as thought records and cognitive restructuring, to help clients identify these patterns and challenge their validity. Cognitive Restructuring Cognitive restructuring involves examining and challenging distorted thoughts and beliefs. I guide clients through the process of questioning the evidence for and against their thoughts, considering alternative perspectives, and developing more balanced and realistic ways of thinking. For example, a client who believes they are a failure might be encouraged to look at their accomplishments and recognize their strengths. Behavioral Interventions In addition to cognitive techniques, CBT incorporates behavioral interventions to change unhelpful behaviors and develop healthier coping mechanisms. I use strategies such as: * Behavioral Activation: Encouraging clients to engage in activities that bring them pleasure or a sense of accomplishment, which can help combat depression and improve mood. * Skills Training: Teaching clients practical skills, such as problem-solving, assertiveness, and relaxation techniques, to enhance their ability to cope with stressors. Monitoring Progress Throughout the course of CBT, I regularly review clients' progress toward their goals. This involves revisiting the initial assessment, tracking changes in symptoms, and adjusting the treatment plan as needed to ensure that therapy remains effective and aligned with the client's needs. Integrating Mindfulness and Compassion While traditional CBT focuses on cognitive and behavioral change, I also incorporate elements of mindfulness and self-compassion into my practice. Mindfulness techniques help clients develop a non-judgmental awareness of their thoughts and feelings, while self-compassion practices encourage a kinder and more understanding attitude toward oneself. Impact and Outcomes The use of CBT in my practice has consistently led to positive outcomes for clients. Many report significant reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression, improved coping skills, and a greater sense of control over their thoughts and behaviors. The structured, goal-oriented nature of CBT empowers clients to take an active role in their own recovery, fostering a sense of autonomy and resilience. Conclusion Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a versatile and effective treatment method that helps clients understand and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. By combining cognitive techniques with behavioral interventions and incorporating elements of mindfulness and self-compassion, CBT provides a comprehensive framework for promoting mental health and well-being. Through this approach, clients can achieve lasting positive changes and lead more fulfilling lives.