Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Virginia. I have been practicing and supporting my communities for seven (7) years, and thoroughly enjoy what I do. I am a certified ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), and provide support using an integrative therapeutic approach when working with my clients. An integrative therapeutic approach means, I listen, observe, and engage in various empirically-based therapies such as, but not limited to, CBT, ACT, solution-focused, expressive art, or mindfulness. In the session, the client may explore the conscious and unconscious mind in order to have a deeper understanding of themself, and the world around them. My approach is tailored to each person’s unique needs, focusing on a more holistic well-being and a secure, encouraging environment that will foster growth and healing.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first session is a client’s opportunity to address what brought them into therapy. It is a space for asking a series of questions, listening, and assessing the client’s specific therapeutic needs. Sessions vary, but there may be the opportunity to discuss what would they like to see worked on and changed – remember therapy is a process. What I have experienced most often in a first session with my clients is a sense of relief. This may be due to the over-whelming feelings, life experiences, self-destructive or intrusive thoughts that have tormented the client for an unhealthy length of time. Consider the first session an opportunity to land and to relinquish.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
One of our greatest strengths as humans is the ability to be or become self-aware. Therapy isn’t all serious all the time, but it is a space where one can explore the self. It is a space to reflect, gain greater understanding, and even heal. In essence, we are learning to look into the mirror of life and reflect upon the journey, as it has and continues to present itself. I came into this field from the outside, so in some sense I believe this to be a strength for the various communities I support. My personal and professional journey gave me the opportunity to see and take-in extensive knowledge and experiences, not really understanding that such experiences may well support those who sit in front of me. As a provider, I support many on their journey, with a collaborative approach, working on short and long-term changes, and addressing challenges that limit us from growth.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I support individual, couples, and families that are part of the neurotypical and neurodiverse communities, and those who exhibit cognitive and behavioral challenges, or are struggling with life experiences. I support clients who experience anxiety-based disorders, adjustment disorder, aging and transitional, grief and loss, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD), Autism Spectrum (ASD), and other learning challenges. I have also worked with individuals, and their families, who have IEP’s, 504’s, school avoidance, and individuals who are Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) eligible.
About Christine Welch
Specializes in
Licensed in
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that supports individuals by encouraging them to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than attempting to suppress them. It focuses on psychological flexibility by embracing six core processes that have shown to reduce dysfunctional thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. ACT is a therapeutic methodology that encompass mindfulness, acceptance, and value-based actions, and to support the client pursue goals while accepting current challenges. The core objective is to help clients lead a more fulfilling life by embracing their psychological experiences.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that supports individuals manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors by identifying, challenging, and changing negative, or unrealistic thought patterns and behaviors. CBT supports clients in learning to recognize distorted thinking and maladaptive behaviors, and then works to replace them with more realistic, and productive thoughts and responses. CBT is considered a collaborative process where ‘therapeutic homework’ is likely given in order reinforce skills learned, within therapy, that then can be applied to improve functioning and quality of life.
Integrative
Integrative Therapy is a holistic therapeutic approach that uses various empirically-based techniques, such as CBT, ACT, DBT, or mindfulness, but not exclusively, to support the client and therapy session. It supports short- and long-term therapeutic treatment, and can be incorporated into working with children, adolescents, and adults, as well as within any setting individual, couples, families or even group therapy.