What is Therapy?

Amanda: "The first few sessions are always spent getting to know the individual sitting across from me. I'm curious as to why they chose this particular time in their lives to begin treatment. What my client likes and dislikes is something I want to know. I'm interested in learning what has and hasn't worked in treatment in the past. Do they feel alone or do they have any support? Initial objectives and a starting point for therapy will be identified. We will really get into what has happened in their life and how it may still be affecting them. This might be accomplished through the production of a visual timeline or a specific style of therapeutic questioning that aids in the awakening of subconscious thoughts. To help the client better understand themselves and others, as well as how to set healthy boundaries, we focus on understanding their personal values. I try to foster an atmosphere where my clients feel comfortable being vulnerable. I explain to my clients the reasons for their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I support my clients and I really believe in being authentic in my interactions with them."

Melissa: "It's not uncommon for a client who has experienced the impact of trauma to come to the first session and feel compelled to share everything they have experienced. They often don't understand yet how talking in therapy will change how they are feeling, or their circumstances. I listen without judgement. I pay attention to how a client is reacting as they talk, and consider how their body might be feeling. I will help the client to slow their story down. We will spend several sessions talking about the client's history, and why they are seeking therapy at this time. I usually start sessions with a centering activity to help them feel calm (like guided breathing or a body scan meditation). I then provide the client with the opportunity to check in as to how things have been going outside of session. We have a natural conversation, with therapeutic techniques mixed in. I educate clients on the connection between their thoughts, feelings and body. I end the session with a mindful grounding activity, and sometimes I give the client homework to support what was learned during session into the client's every day world. There is no requirement for engaging in any type of movement or activity that the client might find themselves uncomfortable with. Everything is an offered invitation that can be declined."

Jessica: "I want to get to know my clients first. It is so important to develop a safe, open and caring relationship with your therapist. I want to make sure that all of my clients know that their experiences are important and valid. I listen to my clients. this is a judgement free zone. We develop goals and a plan to reach each one. (For clients who want it, I can include yoga into our sessions). After we first meet, I usually start session with a check in. I want to know what has happened between sessions, and if the tools you are learning are working. If you had work to do between session, we will talk about it. The conversations we have will be easy and much like as if you were talking to a friend. I will offer education, guidance and suggestions when needed. And when I just need to be quiet and listen, I'll do that too. You deserve a place to be seen. To bring all parts of you and know that whatever you share is going to be valued and is important."

Sara: "I sit with clients to find out about who they are, their family, what their life looks like and what brought them to therapy. I often use humor to ease any first time worries. I want my clients to feel safe and comfortable in the therapeutic relationship. I like to incorporate art and music into my work with clients when appropriate. For my teen and adolescent clients, parents are supported through the process and invited to be part of their child's treatment planning - while also respecting the privacy and confidentiality of the child. Parents will also engage in their own parent support sessions, if needed. For my clients who are adults, I incorporate families and/or partners when it makes sense to do so. With all of my clients I challenge them to really work hard to create sustainable change. I am an authentic and transparent therapist that tells it like it is."

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma, PTSD
• Relationships
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Narcissistic Abuse
• Autism
• Marriage Related
• School Stress
• Parental Stress
• LGBTQ+ Related
• Grief
• BIPOC Related
• Self esteem
• Boundary Setting
• Therapy to Therapists
• Pregnancy Loss
• Attachment
• Addiction
• Adoption, Foster Care
• Life Transitions
• Codependency
• Job loss
• Spiritual Abuse
• Family Therapy 
• Couples Therapy

• Issues Around Adoption & Foster Care
• Spiritual and/or Religious Trauma
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Intimate Partner Violence, Domestic Violence
• Narcissistic Abuse
• Intergenerational Trauma
• Racial Trauma
• Trauma Related to Identity
• Cultural Trauma
• Sex Trafficking
• Workplace Violence
• Medical Trauma
• Sexual Abuse
• Therapy for People Impacted by Assault
• Traumatic Grief and Loss
• Developmental Trauma
• Bullying
• Community Violence
• Complex Trauma
• Chronic Trauma
• Physical Abuse
• Natural Disasters
• Counseling for Issues Related to an Accident