Individual Therapy
What to Expect:
The start of therapy often moves at a gentle pace, focusing on understanding the concerns that brought you in and laying the groundwork for a supportive, collaborative relationship. For those using insurance, this early phase may also involve establishing a diagnosis for billing purposes. It’s completely normal to feel nervous—there’s no pressure to share everything right away. Your comfort and readiness guide the process.
Goal setting is a joint effort. Together, you and your therapist will identify what changes you hope to see and which areas feel most important to focus on first.
When working through trauma, therapy may begin with addressing less distressing events while you build tools for emotional regulation and containment. These foundational skills help support you as you explore deeper and more impactful life experiences. Throughout, your therapist’s role is to walk alongside you—offering guidance, support, and care every step of the way.
Individual therapy is a great space to address barriers from your past that impact how you live and move in the present. Trauma work, skills work to address anxiety and/or depression, etc. Path Forward Counseling uses evidence-based therapy approaches to support your growth and healing.
Some of the areas of training I hold include:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, time-limited, and evidence-based form of psychotherapy that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It helps people identify and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to emotional distress or problems in daily life.
CBT is widely used to treat conditions like:
Depression
Anxiety disorders (e.g., panic, phobias, social anxiety)
PTSD
OCD
Eating disorders
Substance use disorders
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is an evidence-based, short-term treatment that helps people overcome chronic insomnia. It focuses on identifying and changing thoughts, behaviors, and habits that interfere with sleep. Key components include:
Sleep education – understanding sleep cycles and how insomnia develops.
Sleep restriction – limiting time in bed to increase sleep efficiency.
Stimulus control – strengthening the bed-sleep connection (e.g., only using bed for sleep).
Cognitive restructuring – challenging negative beliefs about sleep.
Relaxation techniques – reducing physical and mental arousal at bedtime.
CBT-I is often more effective long-term than medication and can be delivered in individual or group formats, in person or online.
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Prolonged Exposure (PE) is an evidence-based therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It helps individuals gradually confront trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations they've been avoiding in order to reduce distress and regain control over their lives.
Key components include:
Psychoeducation – learning about PTSD and how avoidance maintains symptoms.
Imaginal exposure – repeatedly recounting the traumatic memory in detail during sessions.
In vivo exposure – gradually approaching safe, trauma-related situations that have been avoided.
Processing – reflecting on the exposure to gain new understanding and reduce fear.
PE helps desensitize the fear response, build emotional resilience, and promote healing. It’s typically delivered over 8–15 weekly sessions.
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Somatic Experience (SE) is a body-focused approach to healing trauma and chronic stress. It gently helps release tension, restore balance, and build resilience—without needing to relive painful memories. To learn more about Somatic Experience, click here Somatic Experience (SE) Therapy — Path Forward Counseling LLC
Who Sees My Information?
When you seek mental health services, your information is protected by confidentiality laws. In most cases, only you and your therapist have access to your records. Information can only be shared with others—such as a primary care provider or family member—with your written consent. Exceptions exist if there’s a concern about immediate safety, child or vulnerable adult abuse, or if required by court order. If electing to utilize insurance, a Diagnostic Assessment is completed to identify a diagnosis and medical necessity for mental health service. Your privacy is a top priority, and your therapist will always discuss any necessary disclosures with you whenever possible.