I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my Masters from the University of Phoenix and have been practicing for the past 10 years. I use a straight-forward yet empowering approaches to help people heal through evidenced-based techniques that focus on the individuals strengths, their values, and their goals. I share a passion for those who have been victims of trauma, which has let me to obtain certification as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session we will start with brief introductions. I'm here to offer guidance and support as we work together towards positive change. During our time together, my primary goal is to get to know you better and to better understand what brings you to seek counseling. This is an opportunity for us to connect, discuss your concerns, and explore how we might work together to support your mental health and well-being. I will ask some questions and answer any that you may have for me. After I ask my questions, we will discuss my thoughts and observations about what you've shared, so that I can make sure that I understood correctly. Then we will discuss my initial thought and plan for how we can work together to help you feel better.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Having worked over the past 9 years with justice-involved individuals, people who are now, or have spent time in correctional facilities, or prisons, that have faced disproportionate risks of violence, overdose, suicide, and family, education, and employment difficulties has helped me gain a passion for those who have become accustomed to suffering. My experience has motivated me to obtain certification as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. It had brought great meaning into my life, increased my sense of purpose and strength, and heightened my sense of connection with others to help them walk down their healing journey.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I enjoy working with the criminal justice population and those who have been impacted by trauma or PTSD, as well as those who experience challenges with anxiety, low self-esteem, depression and other psychological difficulties that interfere with individuals emotional or physical well-being.
About Darlene Shipp Estes
Darlene Shipp Estes 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
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have been using CBT for past 10 year to assist individuals make efforts to change behavioral patterns that impact their lives. CBT is a practical form of treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use, marital , and self-esteem problems. I assist individuals in gaining awareness and working on exercises that identify how their thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes affect their feelings and actions.
Motivational Interviewing
I have over 5 years of experience of using motivational interviewing which is a collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication with particular attention to the language of change. It is designed to strengthen personal motivation for and commitment to a specific goal by eliciting and exploring the person’s own reasons for change within an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion.