Our counselors provide therapy in Houston, TX

My go-to approach for helping people in individual therapy is an eclectic approach. I find the best benefit of an eclectic approach is the flexibility it provides me to adjust to each individual client’s needs. Each person has a unique experience and upbringing. I pull tools from CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, family systems, positive psychology, trauma-informed care, and solution-focused therapies to help clients achieve their goals.

I teach the following tools in individual therapy:

• Emotion regulation and distress tolerance via mindfulness practice, videos, and worksheets. I work with clients to be attuned to their bodies physically, emotionally, and mentally so they can build insight and confidence in being able to redirect symptoms.
• Self-care tools to reinforce emotion regulation skills.
• Cognitive challenging/reframing/refocusing via the use of cognitive triangles and understanding unhelpful thinking patterns. I encourage clients to use worksheets/handouts to practice their skills daily and build new habits.
• Exploration of their personal values, where they come from, and how they impact their daily lives.
• Healthy communication skills to create positive/supportive relationships, advocate for needs, and improve conflict management skills.
• Healthy boundary-setting skills that fit within the client’s personal values.
• Positive self-affirmation to improve self-worth and confidence.
• Gratitude and personal strength development.

I know a client is making meaningful progress in individual therapy when they can report reduced symptoms and express confidence in being able to navigate their emotions, thoughts, and reactions during times of distress. I also look for a client’s understanding and knowledge of the skills being used. If a client can demonstrate the skills taught in sessions and report feeling personal balance or achievement toward their goals, the client is making meaningful progress. A client can also make meaningful progress by demonstrating vulnerability and openness to explore their own life (history, personal reactions, etc.).

Clients can supplement their time in individual therapy with daily skills practice or reflections. I try to make a habit of giving my clients small, manageable tasks to practice each day. I spend time with my clients to build these tasks into their current habits or routines to help establish a new pattern/healthy habit.

A first individual therapy session can come with so many different emotions. In a first session, I will ask about a lot of different areas in a person’s life to get to know them and understand how they view the world and others around them. It’s important to share as much information as honestly as possible, but my first priority will always be my client’s safety and comfort level. If I ask a tough question, I don’t expect anyone to share every detail — just what they are willing and able to do. I encourage my clients to always ask me questions in return because I want my clients to get to know me and feel safe/comfortable. Therapy is most effective when a person can connect with their therapist. You can prepare for therapy further by thinking about your top 2-3 goals, or what it is that you hope to gain from therapy. This helps me to create a more effective approach that fits your needs.