Do you often feel weighed down by the stressors of life? Are you in a season where it has become difficult to self-regulate or simply "get out of your head"? Is it hard to forgive yourself for the things that may or may not have been out of your control?
I believe that safety is what's necessary for a person to peel back the layers of trauma, hurt, doubt & uncertainty. Learning about mental health helps us to awaken the deepest, most inner parts of ourselves. If you are searching for a safe space to talk through your thoughts free of any judgment or bias, then I may be the therapist for you!
I'm Brandi Durkins, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I believe that as the client, you are the expert of your own life. My goal is to listen, assist in processing past and/or current issues, reduce patterns of problematic behavior, and provide healthy strategies to implement and empower you to becoming the best version of yourself!
I work with various solution-focused & cognitive behavioral methods, in addition to other integrative models. Together we can identify what's not working, any triggers , sadness, grief, anxiety, depression, relational issues, and finding balance in efforts of seeking your true self. We'll use a holistic approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body & spirit to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first session begins with a warm welcome and introduction. As the therapist, I aim to create a comfortable and safe environment where clients feel at ease to express themselves. I prioritize building trust and rapport, creating a space where clients feel heard and understood. This may involve active listening, empathy, and validating the client's feelings and experiences. I provide a clear explanation of the confidentiality policies and ethical guidelines, assuring clients that their privacy is a top priority within the therapeutic relationship. Together, we collaboratively set initial goals for therapy. This involves identifying specific areas of focus and discussing the client's hopes and expectations for the therapeutic journey. I actively encourage clients to ask questions and seek clarifications, which promotes open communication and ensures that clients feel informed and comfortable. Before concluding the session, I offer an opportunity for clients to provide feedback on their initial experience and reflect on any insights gained. This encourages an ongoing dialogue about the client's evolving needs and preferences in therapy.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a licensed provider, I have a strong passion for helping others achieve goals such as healing from significant trauma, increase their ability to manage stress, and improving their quality of life. Therapy is all about building trust. I believe that a good therapist doesn't give either opinion or advice. Instead, I make it my priority to trust my patient as the expert of their life, allowing them to navigate their healing with unconditional positive regard, guidance, and opportunities to view their life experiences through various lenses.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I am particularly focused on the following populations:
Adults between the age of 19 years and older; Children &adolescents between the ages of 7-18 years old;
Depression
Anxiety
Abuse & neglect
Attachment
Culturally sensitive
Grief
Suicidal ideation
Anger management
Coping skills
Peer relationships
Self esteem
About Brandi Durkins
Appointments
Free consults, virtual
My treatment methods
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Embarking on my journey with Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) has been transformative both personally and professionally. As a practitioner, I have found EFT to be a profound framework that aligns with my values and therapeutic philosophy.
Engaging in EFT not only enhanced my clinical skills but also facilitated my own personal growth. The emphasis on recognizing and validating emotions became a guiding principle in my interactions, both within and outside the therapeutic setting. The process of exploring my own emotional landscape further fueled my passion for helping others navigate theirs.
In my practice, I've witnessed the transformative impact of EFT on clients. The journey from identifying negative patterns to fostering secure emotional bonds has been awe-inspiring. Witnessing individuals restructure their emotional experiences, leading to deeper connections and enhanced well-being, has been the most rewarding aspect of incorporating EFT into my work.
I seamlessly integrate EFT principles into my therapeutic practice by:
-Understanding the relational dynamics and identifying negative interaction patterns. -Utilizing EFT interventions to foster positive emotional experiences and transform negative patterns.
-Building a collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients feel seen, heard, and supported.
Emotionally Focused Therapy has become an integral part of my therapeutic approach. Its profound impact on both clients and myself reinforces my commitment to fostering emotional connections and promoting well-being through the power of relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT, with its emphasis on the interconnectedness of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, has become a cornerstone in my approach to promoting positive change. Collaboratively challenging and modifying maladaptive thought patterns has empowered individuals to navigate challenges with resilience and build sustainable coping strategies.
I integrate CBT principles into my therapeutic practice by:
-Assessing and identifying unhelpful thought patterns.
-Collaboratively establishing realistic goals and action plans.
-Assigning practical exercises to reinforce learning and facilitate skill development.
- Equipping clients with practical cognitive and behavioral skills to manage challenges.
Witnessing clients transform their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors reinforces my dedication to empowering individuals on their unique journeys of growth and well-being.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
In my practice, the impact of SFBT has been remarkable. Witnessing clients tap into their strengths, articulate their goals, and co-create practical solutions has been profoundly rewarding. The brief and goal-oriented nature of SFBT often results in rapid positive changes, reinforcing my dedication to this approach.
Integrating SFBT principles into my therapeutic practice by:
-Working collaboratively with clients to identify and articulate clear, achievable goals.
-Exploring instances when the problem is less prevalent or absent to identify existing strengths and solutions.
-Utilizing scaling questions to assess progress and identify small, achievable steps toward goals.
-Inviting clients to envision a future without the problem, allowing them to articulate their desired outcomes.
The impact of SFBT extends beyond the confines of therapy sessions. Clients often report increased feelings of empowerment, improved problem-solving skills, and a renewed sense of hope. The collaborative and solution-focused approach fosters a positive mindset that transcends various aspects of clients' lives.
Strength-Based
In my practice, the impact of Strengths-Based Therapy has been uplifting. Witnessing clients recognize, embrace, and harness their unique strengths fosters a sense of empowerment and self-efficacy. The collaborative process of identifying and utilizing strengths often leads to transformative and sustainable positive changes. Clients often report increased self-confidence, improved problem-solving abilities, and a more positive self-perception. The ripple effect of recognizing and utilizing strengths extends into various aspects of clients' lives.
