Hi, I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Virginia. I received my Master's Degree from George Fox University in Portland, Oregon and have been practicing about 8 years. I help individuals of all ages, from age 6 to age 60+. I help clients of all ages struggling with anxiety, depression, and lack of motivation become the best versions of themselves.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, then dive into the specific challenges you're facing. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Having worked with young professionals for the past 7 years, I've developed a tried-and-true playbook for helping you (a) identify the root cause of your challenges and (b) create a tailored plan that leads to measurable progress.
About Darlene Smith
Appointments
Virtual
My treatment methods
Adlerian
Adlerian therapy focuses on understanding individuals within their social context and empowering clients by developing a strong therapeutic relationship, establishing trust, empathy, and collaboration. and exploring early childhood experiences. Techniques used include: guided imagery, role-playing, story telling to explore themes, gain insights and facilitate change, and goal setting, and action planning. This could include improving communication skills, setting boundaries, or adopting healthier coping strategies. Every client is unique!
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to emotional distress and dysfunction. I will educate my clients about the basic principles of CBT, including the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. and help clients understand how their cognitive processes influence their feelings and actions. I will teach clients to recognize and challenge cognitive distortions or irrational thinking patterns such as black-and-white thinking, catastrophizing, or personalization. I will help clients identify and engage in enjoyable and meaningful activities that promote a sense of accomplishment and pleasure, and encourage clients to schedule enjoyable activities into their daily routine and gradually increase their level of activity.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, client-centered approach that respects the client's autonomy and self-determination. By fostering intrinsic motivation and addressing ambivalence, Motivational Interviewing can help clients explore and resolve their concerns about change in a supportive and empowering manner.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Person-centered therapy is a humanistic approach that emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness to facilitate personal growth and self-actualization. Here's how you might incorporate Person-Centered Therapy techniques into counseling sessions:
