Hello! My name is Christy Israel, and I am a licensed professional clinical counselor. I am a person-centered therapist. I believe, as psychologist, Carl Rogers stated, "that each individual has within him or herself vast resources for self-understanding, for altering his or her self-concept, attitudes, and self-directed behavior." I take great joy in partnering with my clients, eliciting their strengths, in order for them to heal, grow, achieve their goals, and live the life of their dreams.
My approach
I really love to match people with the most appropriate form of therapy for them. The most common theoretical approaches I use in my work are solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, emotional experiencing, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavior therapy. I am always learning new methods and approaches, to add to my therapeutic skills.
My focus
I have worked with a wide variety of clients including, children, adolescents, Individual adult clients, couples, and families. I also have experience in, and am comfortable treating a broad spectrum of challenges, including, depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, bipolar disorders, and other psychiatric disorders.
My communication style
I like to create a safe, warm, and inviting therapeutic environment. I try to stay true to the concept of unconditional positive regard for each of my clients. I can be fun, playful, and lighthearted at times, using humor when appropriate. I am also extremely compassionate, empathetic, and sensitive to my client's pain, struggles, and trauma experienced. It is my desire that my clients feel seen, heard, and at ease during sessions.
My journey to mental healthcare
I have a great passion for healing work. I feel I have a deep understanding of the vulnerability that is required when engaging in therapy. I admire those who initiate the process and consider it an absolute honor to share in that therapeutic space with them.
My goals for you
I absolutely love goal-setting! I find it invigorating and am delighted whenever I get the chance to partner with an individual to create and accomplish the goals they desire. I like to meet my clients where they are, utilizing brainstorming, and creativity, to navigate through motivational factors, timelines, and appropriateness of goals. I believe goals should be specific, measurable, flexible, and just a little bit out of reach. I am my client's biggest cheerleader.
My first session with you
During the first session, clients should expect a brief introduction of myself, reviewing necessary business information, and confidentiality information/disclosures. The majority of the session will be spent getting an understanding of the client's needs, goals, and desired therapy outcomes.