(she/her)
Hello, my name is Sierra and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Virginia. As your therapist, I will help you dismantle the deeply held beliefs (schemas) that promote the cognitions and behaviors that contribute to your daily struggles, whether it is related to fear of abandonment, feelings of emotional deprivation, or social isolation. Together, we will navigate the stormy waters and you will be on your journey to better wellness and optimal mental health. From "surviving" to "thriving," you will not be alone as you heal from what has hindered you in the past, as it will not be your future.
For our first session, I will ask a lot of questions about your history and your current situation. I differ from some therapists who ask open-ended questions about "what brings you into counseling," as I do not ask this of my clients because not all of my clients have known. Instead, I strategically ask a series of questions and subsequent questions about experiences, symptoms, challenges, etc. that clients have faced and allow the "what brings you in" to unfold naturally.
My clients often describe me as empathic, compassionate, committed to helping others, and respectful. I won't let you give up on yourself, because I will not give up on you.
I love working with clients who have eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, and PTSD. I also frequently work with neurodivergence. I often hear from my clients that they have gone through therapist after therapist looking for someone to "get them" and when they say they finally feel heard, it makes me smile. I come from a place of no judgments and no preconceived notions. Your diagnosis does not define you.
Eclectic
I use a variety of treatment methods with my clients so that I can meet my clients where they are. I have experience with CBT and DBT, and I also incorporate elements of existentialism and schema-focused therapy.
Attachment-based
For my clients with trauma or borderline personality disorder, I use an attachment-based lens for treatment. This allows the client to best find their path to better wellness.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I am familiar with CBT and will utilize elements of it to help clients overcome cognitive distortions and other illogical thinking.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use elements of DBT in treatment, including emotional regulation skills, interpersonal effectiveness skills, distress tolerance skills, and mindfulness as needed by clients. Note: I do not provide full DBT.