My approach to counseling involves building an authentic and trusting therapeutic relationship within a safe judgement-free space and collaborating with you on building the skills needed to cope with current and future problems in life. I believe that the client is the expert of their life and has the strength and ability within themselves to make the changes they wish to see in their life with my guidance. I use Solution-Focused theory in my practice but am aware that not every client may benefit from this approach. Because of this, I am always willing to tailor what I do to best fit my client’s needs by pulling techniques from other theoretic approaches such as Cogitative Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused-Cogitative Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. Whether you are struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, or building relationships with others, I am here to listen and work with you on finding what works best for you to improve your overall well-being.

With children, I find that play is the most effective way for them to express their emotions and life stressors while simultaneously teaching them skills that will help them regulate their emotions, build relationships with others, improve self-esteem, and cope with trauma. I also find it important to collaborate with parents and teach them the activities and tools that I will use with their child so that they can continue working with their child outside of the sessions. With teenagers, I find that talk therapy, art therapy, and psychoeducation really allows teens to understand and process their emotions so that they are able to independently navigate the challenges of teenage years and take the skills they will learn into adulthood.

All in all, asking for help can be challenging but most importantly, it is a sign of strength. I look forward to working alongside you as we navigate your healing journey together.

Specialties:
Anxiety, Depression, Grief & Loss, Self-Esteem Issues, Relational Issues, Sexual Issues, Emotional Trauma, LGBTQIA+ friendly

Client Focus:
Children, Adolescents, College Students, Adults, Elders

Accepted Payment Methods:
Private Pay, Sliding Scale Upon Request

Degree/s:
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sam Houston State University
B.S. in Psychology from Texas A&M University

Email Address:
cortneyalfaro@oakwoodcounseling.com