My name is David and I am a LCPC, NCC in the Central Illinois area, I work with adolescents and adults on a wide variety of issues. I am passionate, enthusiastic, always supportive of patients working through difficult decisions, and give guidance towards long-term change. I believe that the journey starts with where my client is and that there is no such thing as slow progress. I recognize how developing new skills and philosophies about the self can have profound effects on the rest of one’s life. Above all else, the therapeutic alliance is most important in building rapport and direction. I am highly skilled in addressing mental health and substance abuse issues and focusing on finding solutions, breaking down problems into themes, and helping clients understand themselves at a deeper level by first and foremost being genuine and empathic. I also use analogies and parables to help clients visualize their situations in new ways. My primary therapeutic approaches include person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and gestalt. On a personal level, I have a long history of competitive video gaming experience. My history behind the headset has enhanced my ability to engage with clients from any background, especially in comforting clientele new to telehealth.

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

Clients can expect to take away hope. Clients tend to start with an idea of what seems problematic in their lives, and I am keen on seeing shame and/or guilt in their circumstance and helping clients understand it is not good, not bad, but the nature of where they are in life. I provide insight and initial psychoeducation about the concerns the client may have to help them feel it is appropriate to experience what they are moving through and the symptoms associated. Clients will also see the enthusiasm in the moment.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

I primarily use three theoretical orientations: Cognitive-Behavioral: ABC, cognitive distortions, and identifying reward Gestalt: role playing, gamification, empty chair Person-Centered: Genuine, unconditional positive regard, and empathy Through each of these, I also provide clientele with knowledge about how these techniques work and why they are effective.

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

Some of my biggest strengths is working with clientele on Depression, Anxiety, Co-dependency, and Addiction. In terms of emotional strengths, I specialize in resentment, grief, guilt, anger, and worry. Above all else, I have immense expertise in using telehealth through decades of video gaming, keeping clients highly immersed, and providing a highly comparable experience to in-person.

About David Bova