As a compassionate and board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I champion integrative psychiatry, psychotherapy, and complementary medicine. I offer tailored care blending traditional and alternative therapies for holistic health, ensuring each patient's mind, body, and spirit are nurtured to their unique needs. Witnessing the impact of mental health challenges during my career in emergency medicine, I’ve developed a profound understanding and respect of the human psyche. My commitment extends beyond clinical expertise; it’s deeply rooted in empathy and resilience. I approach mental health care holistically delving into biopsychosocial factors, recognizing that mental health is influenced by genetics, environment, and personal history. My assessments go beyond symptoms, considering the whole person. I help my clients explore their past experiences, validating their emotions and fostering healing. Coping mechanisms are essential. I collaborate with individuals to develop personalized strategies – whether through mindfulness practices, creative outlets, or lifestyle adjustments. I blend medication management, complementary medicine, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications to create comprehensive treatment plans. Mental health isn’t just about diagnoses; it’s about resilience, hope, and growth.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I recognize that transformation begins with uncertainty. Together, we embark on a collaborative journey—one where your voice matters, and shared decision-making is at the core of our therapeutic relationship. Here’s how we navigate this path together: Your Voice Matters: I encourage you to ask questions, express preferences, and actively shape your therapeutic journey. Your unique perspective guides our direction. Setting Realistic Goals: Whether it’s alleviating distressing symptoms, enhancing daily functioning, or improving overall quality of life, we co-create meaningful goals. These objectives serve as beacons of progress. Tailored Treatment Plans: Our journey involves co-creating a personalized treatment plan. I’ll explain various approaches, ensuring you’re informed and empowered. You’re not alone; I’m here to guide you. Regular Follow-Up: We’ll have regular follow-up visits to celebrate victories, discuss challenges, and adjust our course as needed. Flexibility is key—we adapt to your evolving needs. Education and Empowerment: Knowledge is power. I’ll equip you with information about your condition, available treatments, and self-management strategies. Informed decisions lead to active engagement. Respecting Autonomy: Your preferences matter. If you prefer a specific approach or wish to explore alternatives, we’ll adjust accordingly. Your autonomy is always respected. Unraveling Complexities: Together, we’ll unravel the complexities of your experience. Victories, no matter how small, will be celebrated. Resilience and growth await. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Reflecting on my role as a healthcare provider, I recognize several key strengths that contribute to my effectiveness in patient care: Listening: I prioritize active listening, allowing patients to express their concerns fully. Understanding their unique perspectives helps me tailor treatment plans. Empathy: I genuinely connect with patients, acknowledging their emotions and validating their experiences. Empathy fosters trust and promotes healing. Biopsychosocial Assessment: Beyond symptoms, I consider the whole person—physical health, mental well-being, and social context. This comprehensive approach informs my diagnoses and interventions. Collaboration: I engage patients as partners in their care. Shared decision-making ensures that treatment aligns with their values and goals. Emergency Medicine Background: My experience in emergency medicine has honed my ability to remain calm under pressure. I adapt swiftly to changing situations. Personal Challenges: Overcoming my own life obstacles has taught me resilience. I bring this strength to patient interactions. Staying Current: I actively seek knowledge through research, conferences, and professional development. Evidence-based practice informs my decisions. Open-Mindedness: I embrace new ideas and approaches, recognizing that healthcare evolves. Learning is a lifelong journey. Individualized Care Plans: Each patient's needs are unique. I tailor interventions, considering cultural, socioeconomic, and personal factors. In summary, my strengths lie in compassionate communication, holistic thinking, adaptability, continuous learning, and patient advocacy. These qualities empower me to make a positive impact on those I serve.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I take exceptional pride in supporting my clients' journeys to achieving their goals. I provide support to individuals who are facing life challenges to understand issues related to past trauma and the importance of developing coping mechanisms by bringing together medication management (where appropriate), psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. I believe the role of the psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner is to help provide tools to aid in obtaining the client's goals in a holistic and caring environment.
About Susan Vazquez
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Supportive
Supportive therapy allows me to provide emotional support and reinforcement to patients, helping them to navigate through their emotional distress and mental health challenges. By actively listening, offering encouragement, and imparting practical advice, I aim to strengthen their coping mechanisms and self-esteem. My goal is to create a safe and empathetic environment where patients feel heard and supported, fostering a sense of hope and empowerment as they work towards personal growth and improved well-being.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help my clients address and manage their mental health concerns. CBT is a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving. My goal is to help clients change patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind their difficulties, and thereby change the way they feel. In sessions, we work together to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, and to develop healthier, more effective responses. I also assign ‘homework’ for clients to practice these skills in real-life situations. This approach is collaborative and empowering, giving clients the tools they need to become their own therapists and maintain their progress long-term.
Motivational Interviewing
I incorporate Motivational Interviewing into my practice to assist clients in finding their motivation to make positive changes. MI is a client-centered counseling method that helps people resolve ambivalent feelings and insecurities to find the internal motivation they need to change their behavior. It is a practical, empathetic, and short-term process that takes into consideration how difficult it is to make life changes. In our sessions, we focus on understanding the client’s perspective and fostering their intrinsic motivation to change. We work collaboratively to explore their reasons for change, enhance their readiness, and empower them to commit to the change process. The aim is to support clients in moving beyond indecision and uncertainty, helping them to activate their personal values and goals as catalysts for change.