Hello! I've been in the field since 2011. Originally from the Twin Cities, have lived in Las Vegas and now SoCal. I'm passionate about treating anxiety, depression, issues in interpersonal relationships, life transitions, trauma and eating disorders. My treatment approach includes CBT, DBT, CPT for PTSD, mindfulness, tools & techniques from ACT and IFS. I'm also bilingual in Hmong and English. If you are looking for compassionate, non-judgmental and collaborative work to help you feel seen and heard--look no more. I welcome you to be fully yourself as I am authentic, safe and truly human too. I'm excited to be on this journey with you!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I like to provide psycho-education and name the things you're going through so that it's less scary and confusing. I give you control and responsibility over your situation. Through warmth, space, validation, and gentle challenging, you can walk away feeling confident about our collaboration, and just uncomfortable enough to make changes in your life. I read a lot so I make book recommendations and references, and I give homework weekly: something to think about, journal prompts, practice a coping skill or a behavior change, a worksheet, or simply tracking your moods for our next session. Overall, you will be empowered throughout the process.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I've been in the field for a long time and have been developing my style with people as I go, I find it most useful and helpful when I am my authentic self, personable, humorous, knowledgeable but not intimidating, and modeling healthy boundaries. Additionally, I pride myself in being ethical, structured, progress oriented, and open to feedback.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Adults (18+) who are highly motivated for self-improvement and development, open-minded, willing and can practice mindfulness.
About Kayoua Thao
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
This approach can help one develop psychological flexibility by recognizing areas of rigidity in their thoughts and behaviors. It also helps people become more in touch with their values by creating and accomplishing committed actions that align with those values.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT helps one develop change by observing and reframing negative thoughts that could be impacting one's mood and behaviors. This approach also encourages one to engage in activities that would boost mood and in turn influence thoughts positively. Lastly, this approach instills that idea of building tolerance towards uncomfortable thoughts or emotions by sitting in, monitoring the intensity, and recognizing one's resilience.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
CPT is a manualized treatment for PTSD and trauma-related concerns, which helps one develop healthy thinking patterns about the effects of their trauma(s) without requiring a detailed trauma account. It is another form of CBT with a specific focus on trauma.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT consists of skills including mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness. This approach can help one manage their big feelings, reduce self-harming behaviors and suicidal ideation, and have improved relationships. Originally created for people with borderline personality disorder but is now highly effective for various types of diagnoses.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
An approach that helps one speak to their parts. Imagine the kids movie "Inside Out" where it was important to recognize that all emotions are welcome and therefore ok to express. The idea is to "unburden" oneself from all the weight of one's past, emotions and thoughts. It's important to note that I'm not certified in this approach and I only use it to help patient become more internally aware.