For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?

If you’re feeling hesitant about trying therapy, I want you to know that it’s completely normal to feel this way. Therapy is a safe space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It’s an opportunity to gain insights into your experiences, develop coping strategies, and work toward healing and growth. Many people find that talking to a trained professional helps them feel understood and less alone in their struggles. Therapy isn’t just for crises; it can also be a valuable tool for personal development, improving relationships, and enhancing overall well-being. I encourage you to view therapy as a collaborative journey. You are in control of the process, and your therapist is there to support you in navigating your unique challenges. Taking that first step can be daunting, but it often leads to positive changes and a deeper understanding of yourself. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and you deserve to find the support you need.

I am a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a doctorate in nursing. My passion lies in providing top-quality care to patients in both acute and primary settings. I focus on ensuring positive patient outcomes and enjoy building strong, productive relationships with those I serve. Over the years, I have honed my skills in treating patients and developing healthcare teams. I am a proud member of the American Nurses Association and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses, DMV Chapter. I also have a keen interest in evidence-based research and quality improvement projects. Outside of work, I love cooking, traveling, and attending educational and Christian conferences. My mission is to offer compassionate, effective care to every patient I meet.

Doing the same things expecting different results is definition of insanity…I dare you to be sane!

Kristian received her Bachelor's degree at the University of North Florida followed by her Masters at Webster University. She engages others by building a rapport while also assisting her families to achieve set goals. She works with individuals ages 5-100, families, adolescents, drug addiction and parents who need guidance.

Therapy has been given different stereotypes, and stigmas. It can also be scary for many different reasons. I just want to acknowledge how difficult it can be to be vulnerable enough to seek help and treatment. I guess the one thing I would say is that therapy is what you make it. It will look different and feel different from what you may see on TV and movies. A good therapist will help you make it your own. But, we will never gat that chance without a first step.

In the 10 plus years I have been working in mental health, the one thing I can say for certain is that everyone has the capacity to heal and grow with strengths and skills already present within. Whether you are an athlete looking to align your mental strength with your physical skill, a child or adolescent learning to cope with change and transition, or a parent attempting to guide your child through life's challenges in the best way possible for them, I am here to provide guidance. I work collaboratively with clients and families to address symptoms of anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges that impact functioning and performance in their everyday lives. I also look to help those athletes whom would like to increase their mental strength in order to elevate their success on and off the playing field. In my personal life, I am a husband, father, jiujitsu practitioner, and golf addict. I love to sit and enjoy a good cup of coffee with my daughter as we bing watch her current cartoon obsession. I love my family and getting outdoors. I am also bilingual Spanish speaking, with deep connection to my Guatemalan and El Salvadorian roots. My mantra in life is to try and "accept everything and judge nothing". When we can attempt to be present in every moment, we give ourselves the best chance at the healthiest response.

Even as a therapist sometimes the idea of doing my own therapy can be overwhelming so you aren't alone in your hesitation. Try to remember that therapy is going to be uncomfortable because you'll be doing hard work but with the right therapist you will feel like you aren't enduring that journey alone. Tips to find your perfect therapist: - Ask for a free consultation so that you can get a feel for the therapist's personality - Ask questions about how the therapist conducts their sessions, so that you can eliminate some of that air of mystery that comes with working with someone new. - If you have done therapy in the past, reflect on what worked and what didn't because it can be helpful for your new therapist to know about that.

Welcome! I am a latinx Licensed Mental Health Counselor based in New York state. I am currently available for 15 minute consultations. Feel free to message me if you have any questions.

It takes courage and hope to begin therapy. If the first therapist you meet doesn't feel like a good fit, that's okay. Fit is critical to therapy's success and you won't necessarily click with just anyone. Try to be discerning and listen to your gut. 

As a clinician, I strive to be intelligent and warm, but also direct. I won't hide behind an anonymous exterior. My sessions are frequently punctuated by wit, insight and spontaneity. I try to be as authentic as possible while prioritizing your well-being and enhancing your capacity to change.

I understand therapy can be daunting, but it’s a powerful tool for healing. My approach is compassionate and empathetic, offering you a safe space to explore your concerns. Together, we can work towards a healthier, balanced life.

Hello, I'm Kristine Ashley Garcia, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 11 years of experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from James Madison University and earned my Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Virginia. My passion lies in promoting holistic mental wellness by exploring the root causes of symptoms. I have extensive training in functional medicine and am currently a fellow in the Functional & Integrative Psychiatry Fellowship. My approach is collaborative, empathetic, and tailored to your unique needs. I specialize in treating mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and sleep disorders, with a focus on stabilizing mental health and building a strong foundation for long-term wellness. I am committed to helping you achieve balance and empowerment in your mental health journey. Treatment philosophy: I believe in a deeply collaborative approach to mental health care, focusing on understanding your unique needs. My goal is to empower you through a supportive, welcoming environment where we work together to create a personalized treatment plan. By combining traditional psychiatric care with integrative approaches, I aim to stabilize your mental health while building a solid foundation for long-term wellness.

It's totally ok to feel nervous about scheduling your first therapy session. Sometimes trying new things can feel really scary. Just know that you are not alone. We are here to help you feel safe, empowered, and heard.

Hello and Welcome! It has been a dream of mine to become a therapist since I was about 11 years old. Sexual health discussions have never made me uncomfortable in any way, and I like to provide a safe space for clients to discuss these issues. Many people experience shame about their relationship preferences, kinks, and sexual orientation. So I like to help individuals and couples who may be struggling in this area. I also enjoy working with clients who are gender diverse, are thinking about or currently transitioning, and so forth. I have a sex therapy certification through the Sexual Health Alliance, and will be pursuing AASECT certification as well. I have attended trans/gender diverse vocal alteration training. Respark is an inclusive practice that aims to work with clients of all backgrounds and lifestyles.

There is no right or wrong way to engage in therapy. Everyone deserves support but support looks different for everyone.

No one had a perfect childhood. The wounds you experienced as a child do not heal on their own. They show up as unhealthy expression of emotions, unfulfilling relationships and sometimes, just pure inner chaos or confusion. We respond to these wounds like we did when we were kids, through hyper-independence, isolation, defiance, or even denial of their existence. However, what worked to keep you safe then, is no longer serving you and may in fact be keeping you stuck.

Therapy is a safe, non-judgmental space where we work together to overcome challenges. It's a collaborative process, and I am here to support and guide you every step of the way to help you live the life you want.

I'm Avani Ketan Thakkar, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With over 17 years of experience, I have dedicated my career to helping people from diverse backgrounds improve their mental health. I specialize in psychopharmacology and have a deep understanding of mental health medications. My passion lies in providing personalized care to my patients. Whether it's working with someone facing trauma, depression, anxiety, or personality disorders, I focus on creating a trusting relationship to develop effective treatment plans. I also lead mindfulness and meditation sessions. I’ve been teaching for over 20 years. I work closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. I also mentor future nurse practitioners and staff, sharing my knowledge and experience to foster a supportive and knowledgeable healthcare community. In addition to my clinical work, I bring a calm and steady presence to challenging situations, ensuring a safe environment for both patients and staff. My commitment to evidence-based care and continuous learning enables me to provide high-quality support to those in need. I hold multiple degrees, including a Master's in Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Health Administration, and a Bachelor's in Nursing. My broad educational background and extensive hands-on experience equip me to handle a variety of mental health challenges compassionately and effectively. As a member of several professional nursing associations, I stay updated with the latest practices and standards in mental health care. My dedication to my field has been recognized with numerous awards, and I strive to continue providing top-notch care to my patients everyday.

At BGTS, we pride ourselves on "perfect fit" therapy matches. If we are not a "perfect fit" for your therapy needs, we will help you to find a provider who is.

Speech-Language Pathology! @BrainGainsTherapy At BGTS, we provide highly skilled speech, language, cognitive, feeding, voice, and swallowing therapy services to children and adults, of all ages. BGTS utilizes a person-centered, family-centered, holistic approach to implement evidence-based therapy. At Brain Gains Therapy, you or your family member will be evaluated and treated by a compassionate, knowledgeable, licensed and ASHA certified, Speech and Language Pathologist. He or she will address all of your questions, and unique areas of concern, as you work together as a team to develop and reach your communication and swallowing goals.