Hi, I am Dr. Cooks. Do you feel that your emotions are like ocean waves, unpredictable and unmanageable? You often need to talk to someone but feel no one will understand or have the time to help you unpack the stuff that has you weighted down. Well, I am here and ready to help you get back to functioning better. My goal is to provide mental health services to you and/or your family struggling with life stressors such as depression, grief, anxiety, PTSD, behavior problems, as well as marital or premarital relationship issues. Also, persons who have been victimized by sexual, physical or substance abuse. My focus is to ensure effective, efficient and competent therapeutic services to you and/or your family in hopes of stabilizing your mental health. My mission is to provide an inclusive counseling program, focusing on emotional well-being, and social and educational enhancement within an ardent, nurturing and compassionate environment, so my clients achieve lasting success in school and the communities in which they live. My treatment methodology is Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps patients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors. CBT is commonly used to treat a wide range of disorders, including phobias, addictions, depression and anxiety. Cognitive Behavior Therapy is usually short-term and focused on helping patients deal with a specific problem. During treatment, people learn how to recognize and change destructive or disturbing thought patterns that have negative influences on behavior. I also use Eclectic Therapy, including solution-focused, brief therapy, trauma-focused, motivational interviewing, etc.

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

In our first session, you can expect to be able to talk about your past to give insight on when the onset of your problems occurred as well as uncovering any repressed memory that is causing the emotional instabilities.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

My treatment methodology is Person-centered, because I believe that you are the expert in your situation, Diadetic for a sense of belonging to something or someone for secure attachments or safe detachment. ABC model, with "A" being establishing a relationship, "B" for understanding the problem, and "C" taking action. Reality therapies, understanding truth and seeing what is in the here and now. I use the ABA, which is an Applied behavior analysis used in therapy that helps kids with autism learn new skills and help manage autistic behavior that can result in hurting themselves or others. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps patients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors. Solution-focused therapy to help manage or solve problematic thought processes and negative behaviors.

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

I have over 18 years of experience working with adults, children and adolescents. I specialize in Behavioral modification, Addiction, trauma treatment, and relationship issues i.e. individual, family, couples and marriage counseling as well having training in children with autism. I also have a board certification in counseling supervising and telemental health. The treatment modalities used are Solution-focused, Person-centered, CBT, Diadetic, ABC model, reality therapies, ABA, etc.…

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I see clients in the age range that has the mental capacity to benefit from psychotherapy.

About Dr Paula Cooks