Hello! I'm Nena, your down-to-earth licensed clinical mental health counselor and spiritual healer. I'm a proud alumna of both Grand Canyon University and Delphi University, where I gathered the knowledge and skills that help me guide you through life's mazes. In our sessions, imagine us sitting in a circle of trust, where science meets the spirit, and where your mental health finds sanctuary. Together, we'll explore the landscapes of your inner world, uncover hidden strengths, and maybe even share a laugh or two as we journey towards a more joyful, balanced you. Welcome to a place where healing happens and where every step forward is celebrated with heart and soul!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In your first session with me, you can expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere that’s focused on making you feel comfortable and understood. Think of it as a new beginning, where we'll start by getting to know each other. You'll share what brings you to therapy, and I'll listen with an open heart, providing a non-judgmental space for you to express your thoughts and feelings.
We'll talk about what you hope to achieve through our work together and discuss any questions or concerns you might have about the therapeutic process. I'll explain how sessions typically go, including confidentiality and the ways we can approach your journey to wellness. We won't dive too deep too fast; this is a time for us to build trust and lay the groundwork for our future sessions.
You can expect to leave the first session with a clearer sense of direction, an understanding of how therapy can support you, and a feeling of hope that, together, we can work towards meaningful change. Remember, this is a safe space for growth, discovery, and healing, and it all starts with that very first conversation.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a therapist, I believe my greatest strengths lie in my empathetic listening, my ability to create a warm and non-judgmental therapeutic environment and my integrative approach to treatment that combines clinical expertise with spiritual insight.
My empathetic listening goes beyond hearing the spoken words; it involves deeply understanding the emotions and experiences behind those words. This allows me to connect with clients on a profound level and to validate their experiences authentically.
Creating a warm and accepting space is essential for my clients to feel safe and supported. It's in this safe space that they can explore their vulnerabilities and work towards healing without fear of judgment or criticism.
Lastly, my integrative approach means that I draw from a range of therapeutic techniques and philosophies, tailoring my approach to the unique needs of each client. I combine evidence-based practices with spiritual healing, recognizing that true wellness encompasses mind, body, and spirit. These strengths guide my practice and support my clients in their journey toward greater well-being.
About Nena Ahmad-El Bey
Appointments
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has proven to be an effective form of treatment for a variety of psychological issues in my nine years of clinical practice. It is a structured, goal-oriented therapy that is grounded in the concept that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected, and that altering negative thought patterns can lead to changes in feelings and behavioral responses. Through CBT, my patients have learned to identify and challenge distorted thoughts, enabling them to manage conditions such as anxiety, depression, and even adapt to living with chronic medical conditions. The therapy is usually short-term and equips individuals with a toolkit of coping strategies that they can use beyond the therapy sessions, which empowers them and often leads to improved self-esteem and confidence.
One of the key advantages of CBT is its collaborative nature; the patient and therapist work together to identify goals and challenges, which tends to foster a sense of active participation and control over one's recovery. This collaborative approach, combined with the development of practical skills, has facilitated significant and lasting improvements for many of my patients. CBT's adaptability means it can be tailored to individual needs, making it a versatile option that can be modified to work in conjunction with other treatments if necessary. However, it's essential to recognize that CBT is not a one-size-fits-all remedy and may not be suitable for everyone; as a therapist, I ensure that I consider each patient's unique situation to determine the most effective therapeutic approach.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a unique approach that concentrates on your strengths and the future you wish to build, rather than digging into the past. This type of therapy is particularly effective if you're eager to see quick, positive changes. It works by identifying your goals and then using your own resources and capabilities to achieve them. Many clients I've worked with appreciate how SFBT is both positive and pragmatic. They find it empowering because it recognizes their ability to solve problems and acknowledges that they are the experts of their own lives. Typically, clients feel a surge of hope and accomplishment as we work together to uncover their innate skills and apply them to their current situation.
In SFBT, our conversations are purpose-driven and targeted towards what you want to accomplish. I've seen clients take immense strides in just a few sessions because this method is concise and action-oriented. We collaborate closely, with me asking strategic questions that help you articulate your vision for the future and the steps you can take to get there. This approach has been a game-changer for many of my clients facing life hurdles like career changes, navigating personal relationships, or managing everyday stress. While SFBT doesn’t ignore your past experiences, it focuses the lens on your present and future, tapping into your potential to forge the path ahead. It's all about building a future that aligns with your aspirations and utilizing your natural strengths to bring that future into reality.
Couples Counseling
In couples counseling, the approach I've taken with numerous clients has centered on fostering improved communication, understanding, and connection between partners. By creating a safe and neutral space for both individuals, couples have the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings openly, which is often the first step towards healing and strengthening their relationship. I've guided couples through exercises that enhance their listening skills, empathy, and ability to express themselves without judgment or criticism. These strategies have led to breakthroughs for couples who felt stuck in cycles of misunderstanding and conflict, helping them to rebuild trust and intimacy.
Many of the couples I've worked with have found that counseling helps them to identify and address the underlying issues that may be contributing to their difficulties, rather than just the symptoms of discord. Whether it's dealing with the aftermath of infidelity, the stresses of parenting, or differences in values and goals, couples counseling provides the tools and guidance to navigate these challenges together. Through this therapeutic journey, partners learn to support each other's individual growth as well as the growth of their relationship. It's been rewarding to see couples move from a place of tension and distance to one where they are working as a team, equipped with a better understanding of each other and strategies to maintain their connection over the long term.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples is a therapeutic approach that has been particularly effective in my practice for helping partners create and strengthen secure emotional bonds. EFT is based on the premise that emotional disconnection can often lead to relationship distress. By guiding couples through a structured process, EFT helps them identify and express their underlying emotional needs and establish more secure and lasting attachments. Clients have often reported a profound shift in their relationships as they learn to break free from negative interaction patterns and develop new ways of responding to one another that are more nurturing and responsive.
Through the EFT process, couples learn to identify the often hidden emotions that lie beneath their conflicts. By addressing these softer emotions rather than remaining stuck in cycles of blame and defensiveness, they can begin to understand and change their patterns of interaction. The safe and collaborative environment of EFT allows couples to express their deepest fears and needs without facing criticism or rejection from their partner. This deep emotional focus has helped numerous couples in my practice to re-establish trust and intimacy. EFT isn’t just about smoothing over rough patches; it’s about creating a fundamental change in how partners relate to each other, leading to stronger and more resilient relationships.
Play Therapy
As a therapist, I often turn to play therapy when working with children, and it’s a technique that might seem as simple as playtime on the surface but is actually a powerful healing tool. In play therapy, we use the natural language of play to help children express what is troubling them when they do not have the verbal language to express their thoughts and feelings. In our sessions, children are provided with various toys and creative activities that serve as their words and play becomes their voice. Through this process, they can explore emotions, make decisions, and learn problem-solving skills.
The benefits of play therapy are manifold. For many children, this approach can be less intimidating than traditional talk therapy, allowing them to communicate complex feelings indirectly. Through play, they can safely confront their problems within the security of the play environment. This can be especially important for children who have experienced trauma or are struggling with behavioral or emotional issues. Moreover, play therapy isn't just beneficial for the child; it can also give you, as parents or guardians, insights into the emotional state and needs of your child, helping to strengthen your relationship with them. By observing their play, we can gain a deeper understanding of their inner world and provide support tailored specifically to them. In our sessions, my goal is to help your child feel seen, heard, and understood, setting the foundation for healthy emotional development and well-being.
