Real Help for Real Life
Free Consultation
Opening up to someone about your mental health can be a difficult. That's why we offer a free 15-minute video or phone consultation to make the process a little easier. This is to ensure that both you and the clinician feel comfortable moving forward and can work together to provide you with the help you deserve.
Trauma & PTSD
Trauma is a psychological and emotional response to an extremely distressing or disturbing event. It can be a single event or a series of events that overwhelms a person's ability to cope. Trauma can result from experiences like accidents, natural disasters, abuse, violence, or loss, and it often leaves individuals feeling helpless, frightened, and emotionally scarred. Symptoms of Trauma: *Instrutive thoughts including flashbacks and nightmares. *Avoidance: Efforts to avoid reminders of the trauma, such as people, places, or situations. *Persistent negative emotions, distorted thoughts, and feelings of detachment from others. *Hyperarousal: Heightened responses, including irritability, difficulty sleeping, and an exaggerated startle response. Treatment Available: *Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a type of therapy that helps people who have experienced trauma or disturbing events. It's like a guide to help them understand and change their thoughts and feelings about what happened. *Internal Family Systems (IFS) or Inner Child Work is a type of therapy that sees your mind a bit like a family with different parts. It's like having different characters inside you, each with their own feelings and roles. IFS therapy helps people explore the different "parts" of their minds, understand how these parts interact, and work towards achieving a more harmonious and balanced inner world.
Intake Session
Everyone's experiences and challenges are unique. The intake session will allow your clinician to get to know you and your history. During this time, you will discuss your past, any traumas, as well as your current symptoms and areas of struggle. Together, with your clinician you will create a personalized treatment plan with the aim of achieving greater mental wellness. To get the most of of the intake session, complete mental health questionnaires and documents prior to your intake session.
Alcohol & Drug Abuse
Alcohol and drug abuse counseling is about talking with someone who understands these challenges, setting goals to make positive changes, learning new ways to cope with life, and getting support to stay on a healthier path. Symptoms of Alcohol and Drug Abuse: *Increased Tolerance: Needing more alcohol or drugs over time to achieve the same effect. *Loss of Control: Difficulty limiting the amount or duration of substance use. *Preoccupation with Use: Spending a lot of time thinking about, obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of substances. *Neglecting Responsibilities: Failing to fulfill work, school, or home obligations due to substance use. *Continued Use Despite Consequences: Using substances even when it leads to problems in relationships, legal issues, or health concerns. *Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing physical or psychological symptoms when not using substances. *Increased Risky Behavior: Engaging in risky activities while under the influence, such as driving under the influence or unprotected sex. *Social Withdrawal: Pulling away from friends, family, and social activities. *Changes in Appearance: Neglecting personal hygiene and changes in physical appearance. *Mood Swings: Unexplained changes in mood, such as irritability, anxiety, or depression. Treatment Available: * Motivational Interviewing: MI recognizes that people often have mixed feelings about making changes, so the therapist gently guides them to talk about their goals, values, and reasons for considering change. The focus is on building confidence and commitment, making it more likely for individuals to take steps toward positive changes in their behavior, like quitting smoking or starting a healthier lifestyle. It's all about helping people find their own inner motivation to make positive choices. *Trauma therapy if necessary: Statistics show there is a high correlation between substance abuse and trauma. Substance abuse can be a maladaptive coping mechanism for dealing with the symptoms of trauma, including anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts. The use of substances might be an attempt to manage or alleviate these challenging emotions. Through trauma therapy your clinican will help you process past trauma and learn healtheir coping skills.
Teletherapy
Teletherapy, also known as online therapy or telehealth, is a form of mental health counseling conducted through video calls or phone calls. Instead of meeting with a therapist in person, individuals can access therapy services from the comfort of their own homes or any location with an internet or phone connection. Some benefits of teletherapy: *Accessibility *Convenience *Comfort and Privacy *Flexibility
Adolescents 13+
As a virtual practice, we only see adolescent 13+ and recommend younger children see an in person therapist, perferably a registered play therapist. Adolescent mental health focuses on how teens feel and think, and behave. Sometimes, teens might face challenges with their mental health, like feeling very sad, worried, or having trouble coping with life. Mental health support for adolescents helps them understand and manage these feelings so they can lead happier and healthier lives. Investing in mental health during adolescence has far-reaching effects, positively impacting individuals, communities, and societies as a whole. Symptoms of Adolescent Mental Health Issues: *Persistent Sadness or Irritability *Changes in Sleep Patterns *Changes in Eating Habits *Social Withdrawal *Low Energy Levels *Difficulty Concentrating: Struggling to focus on tasks or schoolwork. *Physical Complaints: Frequent headaches or stomachaches without a clear physical cause. *Self-Harm or Risky Behaviors *Changes in Academic Performance *Intense Worry or Anxiety Treatment Areas: *Healthy Relationships *Development of Coping Skills *Reducing Risky Behaviors *Transition to Adulthood *Increase Self Esteem and Quailty of Life
Depression
Major Depressive Disorder is when someone feels very, very sad for a long time, often weeks or months. It's like having a heavy, dark cloud over you, making it hard to enjoy things you used to like. Symptoms of Depression: *Feeling extremely sad or empty. *Losing interest in activities. *Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much. *Feeling tired all the time. *Thinking negatively about yourself. *Having trouble concentrating. Treatment Types Available: *Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with depression. Individuals recognize and challenge distorted thinking, develop coping strategies, and gradually change negative behavioral patterns. *Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) Focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills to alleviate depressive symptoms. Individuals identify and address relationship issues and interpersonal conflicts that may contribute to or result from depression.
Bipolar Disorder I & II
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings or episodes of mania and depression. There are different types of bipolar disorder, but the two main phases are manic episodes and depressive episodes. Symptoms of Manic Episodes: *Elevated Mood *Increased Energy *Impulsivity: Engaging in high-risk behaviors without thinking about the consequences *Decreased Need for Sleep *Racing Thoughts Symptoms of Depressive Episodes: *Low Mood *Loss of Interest or Pleasure *Changes in Sleep Patterns *Fatigue *Difficulty Concentrating *Appetite Changes *Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt *Suicidal Thoughts Treatment Types Available: *Internal Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) helps individuals establish and maintain a consistent daily schedule, promoting stability in their daily lives. It also addresses how interpersonal relationships and their ups and downs can affect mood, aiming to improve overall emotional well-being.
Anger Management
Anger management is a way of learning how to handle strong feelings of anger in a healthier and more constructive way. Instead of reacting impulsively or aggressively, people who undergo anger management are taught skills to express themselves calmly and manage their anger in a way that doesn't harm themselves or others. Symptoms of Anger Issues: *Frequent Irritability: Feeling easily annoyed or bothered by small things. *Physical Signs such as body tension, clenched fists, rapid heartbeat, or other physical signs of anger. *Verbal or Physical Aggression: Expressing anger through yelling, shouting, or physical actions. *Difficulty Letting Go: Holding onto grudges or dwelling on past incidents that made you angry. *Impulsivity: Reacting quickly without thinking when angry, leading to regrettable actions. *Relationship Issues: Problems with family, friends, or colleagues due to uncontrolled anger. *Isolation: Withdrawing from social situations to avoid potential triggers. Treatment Modailities: *Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to anger. It focuses on understanding triggers, challenging irrational thoughts, and developing healthier coping strategies. *Communication Skills Training: Enhancing communication skills helps individuals express their feelings and needs in a more constructive way. This includes assertiveness training, active listening, and effective expression of emotions without aggression. *Stress Management: Stress often contributes to heightened anger responses. Stress management techniques, such as time management, regular exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices, can reduce overall stress levels and improve emotional well-being.
Anxiety, Phobias, and Panic
Anxiety is when you feel worried, scared, or nervous about something, even if there might not be a real danger. It's like your mind and body reacting as if there's a big, imaginary monster, making your heart race and your thoughts go in circles. It's a common feeling, but when it happens too much or becomes too intense, it can be a problem that people might need help to manage. Symptoms of Anxiety: *Feeling very worried or afraid a lot of the time. *Having a fast heartbeat or feeling jumpy. *Getting sweaty or shaky when you're anxious. *Feeling like you can't breathe or a tightness in your chest. *Having trouble sleeping or staying calm. *Overthinking and having trouble focusing. *Avoiding things or places that make you anxious. Treatment Types Available: *Exposure Therapy is a gradual and systematic exposure to feared objects or situations to reduce anxiety and fear responses. Involves facing fears in a safe and controlled environment, helping individuals desensitize to anxiety triggers. *Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Utilizes mindfulness techniques to increase awareness of the present moment and reduce stress and anxiety. Involves mindfulness meditation, yoga, and other practices to cultivate a non-judgmental awareness of thoughts and sensations. *Relaxation Techniques: Teaches individuals how to induce a state of physical and mental relaxation to counteract anxiety symptoms. Techniques may include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery.
Grief & Loss
Grief is the natural emotional response to losing something or someone important. This could be the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or any significant change. It's a process of adjusting to life without what has been lost. Symptoms of Grief: *Sadness: Feeling overwhelmingly sad is a common reaction to loss. *Denial: Initially, there might be a sense of disbelief or denial about the reality of the loss. *Anger: Grief can also manifest as frustration or anger, either directed at oneself, others, or the situation. *Guilt: People often feel guilty, questioning if they could have done something differently. *Physical Symptoms: Grief can affect the body, leading to fatigue, changes in appetite, or trouble sleeping. Treatment Types Available: *Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with grief. Individuals challenge and reframe unhelpful thoughts, manage distressing emotions, and gradually adjust to life without the person or thing they've lost. *Mindfulness-Based Approaches Incorporates mindfulness and meditation techniques to help individuals stay present, manage distressing emotions, and develop a sense of acceptance.
Family Counseling
Family therapy is for families who want to improve how they understand and get along with each other. The therapist, listens and helps everyone express feelings and thoughts in a way that brings positive changes to the family or relationship. Symptoms That May Lead to Family or Couples Therapy: *Communication Issues: Constant arguing, not feeling heard, or difficulty expressing thoughts and feelings. *Conflict or Disagreements: Frequent disagreements or conflicts that create tension and stress. *Lack of Intimacy: Feeling distant or disconnected, or a lack of emotional closeness. *Trust Issues: Broken trust, such as dishonesty, causing relationship strain. *Parenting Challenges: Struggles in parenting, differing parenting styles, or disagreements about children. *Life Transitions: Difficulty adjusting to major life changes, such as a new job, relocation, or the birth of a child. Treatment Modalities: *Parent-Child Interaction *Reality Therapy/Choice therapy
Borderline Personality Disorder or Traits
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is when a person's emotions and relationships can be a bit like a rollercoaster. People with BPD might have strong and changing feelings about themselves and others, making it hard to keep steady relationships. Symptoms of BPD can include: *Intense fear of being abandoned. *Rapid mood swings. *Impulsive behavior, like spending too much money or risky actions. *Unstable self-image. *Difficulty controlling anger. *Feeling empty or lonely. Treatment Types Available: *Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a type of therapy that helps people manage intense emotions, build better relationships, and cope with challenging situations. DBT is about finding balance, being present in the moment, managing strong emotions, improving relationships, and developing skills to cope with difficult situations in a healthier way.
LGBTQ+
At Honest Counseling, PLLC, we are committed to providing inclusive and supportive counseling services to all our patients. Our team of clinicians is trained and dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ individuals navigate the unique challenges they face. We use evidence-based techniques to identify and address each patient’s individual needs, offering a judgement-free space where they can feel empowered to share their experiences. We are passionate about mental health and are committed to helping our patients achieve their goals one session at a time.
Divorce & Break Up Support
Divorce and breakup support in therapy is a specialized form of counseling that helps individuals cope with the emotional challenges and adjustments associated with the end of a significant relationship. Whether it's a divorce, separation, or the end of a long-term partnership, therapy provides a supportive space to navigate the complex emotions and changes that come with such transitions. Symptoms of Emotional Distress After a Divorce or Breakup: *Intense Grief and Sadness *Anxiety and Uncertainty: Anxious thoughts about the future, uncertainties, and fears related to life without the partner. *Anger and Resentment *Loneliness and Isolation *Low Self-Esteem *Difficulty Coping with Change *Co-Parenting Challenges *Sleep Disturbances *Difficulty sleeping or changes in sleep patterns due to stress and emotional distress *Loss of Interest or Motivation in activities, hobbies, or life in general Treatment Focus Areas: *Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Addressing and restructuring negative thought patterns, focusing on building healthier coping mechanisms and perspectives. *Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices to promote mindfulness and relaxation, aiding in stress reduction and emotional regulation. *Parenting Support (if applicable): Specialized counseling to navigate co-parenting challenges and foster a healthy environment for children.
Criminal History & Incarceration
A person who has been incarcerated or has a criminal history can experience significant mental health challenges as a result of their experiences. The stigma, isolation, and trauma associated with incarceration can contribute to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, the societal consequences, such as limited employment opportunities and strained relationships, can exacerbate these mental health struggles. Therapy plays a crucial role in supporting individuals through this complex intersection of mental health and criminal history. We provide a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore and process the emotional impact of their experiences. By addressing underlying trauma, building coping skills, and fostering resilience, therapy empowers individuals to navigate the challenges of reintegration, manage mental health symptoms, and work towards building a healthier and more fulfilling life beyond their criminal history.
ESA Assessment and Documentation
This assessment involves a thorough examination of the individual's mental health history, current symptoms, and how an emotional support animal may benefit their condition. If the individual meets the criteria for an emotional support animal, a professional document will be executed to include the individual's diagnosis, the necessity of an emotional support animal for the individual's mental health, and how the animal helps alleviate symptoms. Under laws such as the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), individuals with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations for their emotional support animals in housing and air travel, respectively. However, it's important to note that there are limitations and requirements for these accommodations, and not all animals may qualify as emotional support animals under the law. It's crucial for individuals seeking accommodation for an emotional support animal to ensure that they have the necessary documentation from a licensed mental health professional and to understand their rights and responsibilities under applicable laws and regulations. Reach out to schedule an assessment today.
Consultation Services
Celeste Gusme, MA, LPC and Owner of Honest Counseling provides consultation to other clinicans for trauma related cases, professional growth and private practice formultation. If you want to open up your own private practice but unsure of all that it takes or want someone who's "been there, done that, made the mistakes" and can guide you, reach out. Consultation Services Include: *Creating your PLLC *Defining Your Niche *Establishing a Business Plan *Marketing Strategies *Insurance Panelling *Securing approrpriate licenses and insurances *Legal forms *Website Development *Social Media do's and don't *Creating a professional network to scale your business