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Therapists answer…

How does Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) work?

Sandy MawS

Sandy Maw

LPC, MA
Online Therapy
Hi! မင်္ဂလာပါ! My name is Sandy and I am Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) providing counseling to teenagers (12+) and adults in Illinois. My past clinical experience includes working with adolescents and adults, and veterans, especially those with past trauma and/or those who struggle with anxiety and depression. I also am passionate about working with immigrants, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ community members and multicultural populations. I especially believe in providing support for these populations as they are often systematically underserved and overlooked in behavioral health and healthcare. My therapeutic approach is informed by social justice, empathy, cultural humility, and respect for diversity. I believe in creating a safe and inclusive space where clients can explore their experiences, process their trauma, and reclaim their sense of agency and resilience. Being an immigrant myself, I understand firsthand the challenges and difficulties of immigrating and navigating life in a new country while preserving one's cultural identity. Drawing from evidence-based modalities such as trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), humanistic therapy and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), I work collaboratively with clients to address the unique challenges they face, including acculturative stress, discrimination, and intergenerational trauma. My goal is to empower clients to heal from their past experiences, help end cycles of trauma and cultivate a sense of resilience in their lives. As a therapist, I enjoy creating a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, thoughts, and emotions without judgment or biases. I hope empower clients to heal from their past experiences and help them move closer towards their goals. If you're ready, feel free to reach out for a free 15-minute free consultation call.
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Amanda RussoA

Amanda Russo

Licensed Professional Counselor
Online Therapy
Hi there! My name is Amanda Russo and I’m the clinical director of Balanced Life Solutions. I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC). I’ve lived in the Dallas/Fort Worth area my whole life. I went to The University of Texas in Dallas and obtained a Bachelor’s in Child Learning and Development and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. During undergrad, I entered an internship working with autistic children, which spurred my love for working with the neurodivergent community. I then went on to study at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center where I received a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling. It was during my time at UTSW that I discovered my passion for neuropsychological and educational assessment where I worked for both the UTSW Psychological Services Department and the Parkland Trauma Unit. After school, I went on to work in several private practices, local community mental health clinics and public schools. In addition to being a counselor, I’m also a certified teacher in elementary education, special education, and school counseling. I’m extremely passionate about advocating for the appropriate educational services for children with special needs. After working for the schools, I did neuroscience research and treatment for divergent social cognition with the University of Texas at Dallas’ Brain Performance Institute. There, I utilized technology to provide treatment in an online interface, focusing on improving childrens’ ability to understand other peoples’ thoughts and implicit social information. Additionally, I gave presentations around the DFW metroplex focusing on how educators and parents could help foster social cognition. I have expertise in neurodivergent diagnoses including autism, ADHD, and learning differences including gifted learners. Additionally, I have a strong passion for working with neurodivergent women and AFAB individuals as they are chronically under- and misdiagnosed due to their presentation of symptoms. When I’m not counseling, I love spending time with my three children. I also enjoy singing, traveling, and reading books, especially on the topics of neuroscience and psychology.
Nicole AlbaughN

Nicole Albaugh

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & In-Person
I have accumulated over 33 years of experience in the healthcare field, starting in medical records and later transitioning into the insurance sector. Subsequently, I assumed the role of Violence Prevention Coordinator/Facilitator, where I educated healthcare professionals on assisting individuals facing sexual or physical assault. During this time, I also led the Ramsey County Sexual Assault Protocol Team, bringing together a multidisciplinary group in the Saint Paul area to create victim-sensitive protocols for survivors of sexual assault. Concurrently, I pursued and completed a master's degree in Counseling and Psychological Services. Opting for a different path than a PsyD, I entered the field of Nursing. For 14 years, I dedicated my efforts to working with individuals dealing with eating disorders, finding immense fulfillment in this area. In May 2022, I accomplished my PMHNP from the University of North Dakota and subsequently worked at a psychiatric clinic in the Fargo Moorhead area for about a year before deciding to establish my private practice. In my current practice, I collaborate with clients using a holistic and person-centered approach to help them achieve their treatment goals. I possess a sincere compassion for individuals across the lifespan grappling with mental illness. I strongly believe that both physical and mental health are integral components of optimal well-being. Within my therapeutic approach, I prioritize integrating clients' beliefs, traditions, and values into the treatment plan, acknowledging the profound significance of these elements in the therapeutic process. *Specialties •Mental Health •Psychiatry •Psychotherapy •Child Psychiatry •Preventive Medicine •Medication Management •Evaluations •Assessments •Treatment planning •Adolescents •Adults •Geriatric *Conditions treated •Depression •Anxiety •Bipolar disorders •PTSD •ADHD •Eating disorders •Relationship issues •Mood disorders •Substance abuse •Personality disorders •Anxiety disorders •Trauma and PTSD •Pediatric Psychiatry •Counseling •Autism •Behavioral issues •Emotional trauma •Anger Management •Grief and Loss •Lifestyle counseling •Weight management •Sleep problems •Insomnia •Schizophrenia •Addiction •Panic attacks •Geriatric Psychiatry •Substance use disorder •Personality disorder •Preventive care education *Treatment philosophy Nicole works collaboratively with her clients using a holistic and person-centered approach to meet their treatment goals. Nicole has a genuine compassion for helping individuals across the lifespan who are dealing with mental illness. She believes that both physical and mental health are key to achieving optimal health and well-being. It is important to include the clients' own beliefs, traditions, and values in the treatment plan. *Treatment approach •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) •Culturally Sensitive •Eclectic •Humanistic •Coaching •Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) •Trauma-Focused •Person-Focused *Practice description Tranquil Minds Psychiatry offers psychiatric services such as diagnostic testing, medication management, psychotherapy, and treatment planning and monitoring. Psychiatric services are provided to clients 6 years old and up. Insurance •Aetna •Blue Cross Blue Shield •Medicaid •UnitedHealthcare •Optum •Medicare •Medica •Humana •Cigna •Sanford Health Plan •Healthpartners •Oxford •Allina Health •United Healthcare •Optum