I provide a safe environment and build trusting relationships so that skills can be taught to help clients alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. The goal is for clients to learn skills and methods to help alleviate pain, promote healing and have a variety of strategies at “their fingertips” as they encounter unpleasant, difficult emotions and situations. I bring skills and strategies to the counseling process to promote positive outcomes, and positive feelings and thoughts for clients. Clients may be trying to overcome anxiety, anger, and/or depression, or want to work on communication and relationship skills. I am here to help guide you through the process. My experience includes providing therapy in medical behavioral health centers, community behavioral centers, online platforms, school settings, and universities. Through my work, I know how important it is to build mutual respect and trust between the client and therapist. Positive rapport must be developed for both the client and therapist to meet goals and reach success. Taking the first step toward therapy can be very difficult. I want to provide you with an open, trusting, caring space for you to learn, heal and grow. Let's work together!

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

The first session will be a getting to know one another session. It will also include protocals ( such as confidentiality and ethical standards) of a therapist. We will talk about your expectations of the sessions and what you would like to learn and achieve. This session is to begin to build a level of trust through communication and determine a treatment plan.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) CBT is a "problem-focused" and "action-oriented" form of therapy. Tools I may use-grounding techniques, mindfulness, visualization, progressive muscle relaxation, movement and thought reality. DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) DBT is used to help lessen overwhelming emotions. Some of the tools I use for distress tolerance skills are relaxation/self-soothing strategies, visualization, coping thoughts, thought diffusion, problem-solving, and mindfulness. I also use other therapy models depending on what is best for the client. CBT and DBT are the methods I use much of the time.

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

I believe my biggest strength is engaging clients in therapy. It is important to me that clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, etc. learn and practice skills that they can do when uncomfortable feelings are being felt within the body and are affecting rational thinking. Teaching skills and strategies to help a client know that they have "tools" to help control unwanted physical symptoms and negative thinking can be very empowering to the client. I have worked as a therapist (all ages and many different settings) in a behavioral health center and community mental health center. I have also been a therapist in elementary, middle, high schools and at the university level. In addition to being a therapist/counselor, I am also a former teacher/coach/counselor/school principal. All of my job experiences have taught me patience and understanding. I am empathetic and have a sense of humor. I understand that people learn differently. I work hard to teach skills, and tools along with using additional therapeutic methods to meet the client's needs.

About Patty Bittinger Mansfield

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