Our counselors provide therapy in Colorado Springs, CO

My go-to approach for helping people in individual therapy is an eclectic approach to individualizing care for what my client needs. I find the best benefit in using a mixture of cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment-based therapy, and mindfulness because the combination of these three therapies incorporates thoughts, emotions, and body awareness. I believe addressing therapeutic issues holistically can be quite effective and address a multitude of client needs.

I teach the following tools in individual therapy:

• Awareness: Without awareness, we can't change. How are your thoughts, emotions, and/or body cues influencing you and affecting your choices/ behaviors?
• Identifying cognitive distortions: What unhealthy repetitive thought patterns are happening subconsciously?
• Reframing: How we can reframe these negative thought patterns to empower you as the client?
• Curiosity with empowerment: How have childhood dynamics impacted the way you show up presently in life, work, relationships, etc.? How would you rather show up?
• Deep breathing: Breathing exercises allow you to slow down an overworked nervous system and create more self-awareness and safety within your body.

I know a client is making meaningful progress in individual therapy when they are feeling secure, empowered, and safe enough to advocate for their needs and start to make decisions that align with their genuine selves. I love it when clients are able to celebrate their hard work and say, “Guess what? I set a boundary!” or “I was able to catch my inner critic and show myself compassion instead!”

Clients can supplement their time in individual therapy by journaling, taking mindful walks or other enjoyable forms of exercise, doing deep breathing practices at home, engaging in comforting hobbies, and leaning on social support.

To prepare for your first individual therapy session, you can reflect on what goals you want to work on in therapy, what obstacles have gotten in your way, and what you might need from a therapist. Remember, therapy is about you, so it is important that you find a therapist you connect with and feel empowered and comfortable enough to be vulnerable with.