Fred Pence, Therapist at Grow Therapy

Fred Pence

Fred Pence

(he/him)

5 years of experience
Virtual

I'm Fred. I’m a licensed clinical social worker with experience in both medical and behavioral health settings, specializing in anxiety, trauma, and addictions. My approach is practical and collaborative — rooted in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and supported by evidence-based tools. I provide a safe, judgment-free space where clients can challenge unhelpful patterns, build emotional resilience, and reconnect with what matters most.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In the first session, clients can expect a conversation that’s structured but low-pressure. I’ll ask questions to understand what brings you in, what you’ve tried before, and what’s most important to you now. We’ll start identifying goals and begin laying the groundwork for change — whether that’s emotional relief, building coping skills, or working through long-standing issues. Above all, I focus on creating a space where clients feel safe, heard, and never judged.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My greatest strengths as a provider are clarity, empathy, and the ability to get to the heart of an issue without wasting time. I bring a steady mix of emotional intelligence and directness — helping clients feel both understood and challenged. I don’t hide behind jargon, and I don’t believe therapy should be vague or endless. I’m here to help people build insight, shift patterns, and move forward with purpose.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I work best with clients who are ready to look at the patterns that are holding them back — whether it’s anxiety, people-pleasing, addiction, or the aftermath of trauma. Many of my clients are high-functioning but internally overwhelmed, stuck between what they value and how they actually feel. I’m especially effective with individuals who appreciate a direct, thoughtful approach and want practical tools alongside genuine support.

About Fred Pence

Identifies as

Man

Serves ages

Licensed in

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

First, we move at your pace, start where you are, in a safe space with no judgment. I am certified by the Albert Ellis Institute in REBT. I use this method in conjunction with a person-centered approach. I have successfully treated anxiety, substance use disorders, depression, and social anxiety. Throughout our time together we will be identifying and challenging unhelpful beliefs, tolerating emotions that hold you back, and learning to meet your needs.

Gottman method

The Gottman method is a proven approach used to increase quality and longevity in relationships. It primarily addresses the most significant factor determining success in a relationship - how we deal with conflict.

Motivational Interviewing

This is more a method than a treatment. When struggling with decision making, we look at "change" language, motivations, values, and determine where a person is in decision making. I'm here to guide and support.

Narrative

It's not the situation you face causing, it's the story you're telling yourself about it. We can explore the meaning you find in events and relationships, and reframing them, reconstruct new meanings, and ease emotional suffering.