Our counselors provide therapy in Cedar Park, TX

My go-to is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) because it gives clients a chance to focus on emotions, behaviors, or thoughts depending on their level of comfort.

I teach:

• Basic mindfulness meditation.
• Role play/rehearsal of conversations and new behaviors.
• Journaling and use of art/music for self-expression.
• Cooperative/shared activities like building with LEGOs, UNO, or storytelling with puppets or toy figures.
• Basic wellness, encouraging clients to exercise regularly, eat adequately, get social contact, and be engaged in learning or hobbies.

I know clients are making progress when they are able to acknowledge failure or not meeting goals, trusting they will not be criticized or judged, and they are able to report behavior changes that are rewarding for them, demonstrating they are proud or hopeful. Clients show progress by being more engaged, asking questions, and trying to gain an understanding of how to create change in their feelings and actions.

Clients can supplement their time in individual therapy by journaling or otherwise reflecting on the in-session discussion or new experiences between meetings. Clients can supplement their time in individual therapy by using workbooks, podcasts, and related tools to reinforce skills or to motivate experimenting with new behavior. Clients can use monitoring of their breathing or guided meditation to develop stress tolerance and help them gain perspectives on their own thoughts and reactions to events. Clients can supplement their time in individual therapy by seeking out support or educational groups that relate to their treatment goals.

To prepare for your first therapy session you can: bring a list of questions you have about the counseling process, make a list of some of the most important events in your life (good and bad), and reflect on what makes you feel comfortable or qualities you enjoy in others to share with the therapist.