My Approach to Helping
My name is Brenda Woods and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in the Tampa Bay Area. I work with Children and specialize in Anxiety, Stress, Depression, PTSD, and Self-esteem using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Spirituality, and Mindfulness Therapy in order to help my clients make progress toward their goals. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for Adults, both single and married. I work to help my clients navigate the muddy waters of being newly married, along with being new parents as well. Their difficulties will take the form of Anxiety, Depression, and can lead to separation and divorce."
My approach to therapy varies according to the needs of each client. I most commonly use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, along with Mindfulness approach as it helps both the client and I build a shared understanding of the client’s reality, and allows us to work together as we chart a path forward. My typical client is one who is experiencing stress anxiety leading to panic attacks often. Other clients include those experiencing bouts of depression, and those that are having marital issues. I enjoy working as well with children and parents instructing parents on disciplining and parenting.
My communication style is calm, accommodating, and personable. I want my clients to feel comfortable talking with me about anything, while I am able to listen without judgment. I have always been drawn to helping people through difficult times. Whether it was helping close friends, or counseling suitemates in my dorm during times of sadness, and grief over a loss of a loved one or a breakup with the one they loved. My approach to goal setting is to work with the client to define what goals you want to accomplish during our time together. As time progresses, we will establish how to redefine these goals to further your progress.
The first session is mostly about rapport building and exploring the history relating to your present feelings and their origin. As each person is different, I enjoy listening before making assumptions about what a client needs to progress and move forward.