LPC, 10 years of experience
Hi! Welcome to Taking The Reins LLC! I’m Ciera a Licensed Professional Counselor dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space where clients can explore, heal, and grow. I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. My approach combines evidence-based practices with compassion and collaboration, tailoring each session to meet your unique needs. I believe therapy is a partnership, and my goal is to empower you with tools and insights that foster resilience, self-awareness, and lasting change. Whether you’re managing day-to-day stress, healing from past experiences, or seeking personal growth, I’m here to walk alongside you in the process. ***Note: I currently accept sliding scale payment as an option.
In our first session together, my priority is creating a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood. We’ll start by talking about what brings you to therapy, your current challenges, and what you hope to gain from our work together. I’ll also share more about my approach so you know what to expect from the process. This session is not about having all the answers right away, it’s about beginning to build trust, exploring your story, and setting goals that feel meaningful to you. You can expect me to ask thoughtful questions, listen without judgment, and work with you at a pace that feels comfortable. By the end of our time, we’ll have a clearer picture of where you are now and how we can move forward together.
What sets me apart as a therapist is my ability to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly seen and supported. I combine evidence-based approaches with a compassionate, down to earth style, helping clients feel both guided and empowered in their healing journey.
I work best with individuals who are ready to make meaningful changes in their lives but may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about the next step. My ideal clients are those navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship difficulties, or the lasting impact of trauma. Many of my clients come to therapy seeking a safe and supportive space to process their emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and rebuild their confidence.
In my practice, I frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to distress. I’ve found it particularly effective for clients managing depression, anxiety, and relational stressors.
I focus on teaching clients to notice and name their thoughts and emotions without judgment , while using mindfulness and grounding skills to create space around difficult feelings. I also incorporate values clarification to help clients move toward purposeful action, even in the presence of pain. This balance of acceptance and committed action helps clients reconnect with resilience, self-compassion, and a sense of direction.
I emphasize multicultural awareness to ensure that therapy is responsive to each client’s cultural background, values, and lived experiences. I have worked with diverse populations and recognize how cultural identity, systemic barriers, and intergenerational patterns impact mental health. I incorporate open dialogue about culture, race, gender, family systems, and social context as integral parts of treatment. I invite clients to explore how these factors shape their perspectives and coping strategies, while affirming their strengths and resilience.