Not everyone knows that therapists have different styles and approaches, but we do!

And once you do learn that, you might also realize how important it is to find a therapist whose style you mesh with well.

Not every therapist is a good fit for every client and vice versa. And that’s okay! It may take you a few tries to find a therapist who is a good fit for you, but it is well worth the effort once you find a great match.

I believe therapy style is more equivalent to the therapist’s individual personality or their “vibe;” while, therapy approach (aka theoretical approach or theoretical orientation) is the framework that guides how a therapist conducts therapy through different theories and techniques.

New or potential clients often ask me what my style is, which is a great question, but it can also be hard to put into words. So, I decided to create this “bullet journal” style blog post to help describe my therapy style and approach.

What Is My Therapy Style

Conversational
Collaborative
- We are in this together.
- I act as your guide along the way to help you further process and explore things.
Compassionate
Humorous
Non-judgmental

What Am I Like in Session

Relaxed
Open minded
- I will remain curious with you.
- I will remain open to your ideas and ways of coping.
- I am open to your feedback to help make therapy most beneficial for you.
Flexible
- I believe there is no “one size fits all” approach to therapy.
- You and I will work together to make your experience most beneficial for you.
- Example: I will only give you therapy “homework” or help you set goals that work for you and meet your needs.
Friendly
Encouraging
Patient
- I will gently challenge you when appropriate, but I will not:
  - Push you to talk about anything that you are not ready to share
  - Push you to set any goals you do not feel comfortable with
  - Get upset if you do not achieve a goal or complete therapy homework

What Is My Therapy Approach

Person-Centered
- Focus on building and maintaining the relationship between therapist and client
- Emphasis on therapy as a journey shared by two imperfect people, two humans
- Non-directive
- Create a “growth promoting” climate
- Believe that people are capable of self-directed growth if involved in a therapeutic relationship
- Focus is on the person instead of on problems
(Some) Cognitive Therapy
- Focus on changing the automatic negative thoughts that can contribute to and worsen:
  - Emotional difficulties, anxiety, low self-esteem, etc.
- Emphasis on changing those thought patterns to help improve emotional and behavioral experiences
- With my specialties being anxiety and self-worth, I often suggest and educate on techniques such as reframing and challenging thoughts
- Cognitive therapies tend to focus on the present and future, not the past
  - I feel it is important to also address the past when needed
Holistic
- Ask questions and engage in discussion about overall wellness
- Educate on importance of caring for all aspects of wellness
- Help connect to other wellness providers when desired, such as masseuse, nutritionist, etc.

I specialize in and am passionate about working with young adult women who are experiencing anxiety, low self-worth, and related things like people pleasing or perfectionist tendencies. If you are looking for a therapist like me for individual or group therapy, feel free to contact me today!