Kristy Verma

My name is Kristy Verma, LPCC #13286, and I am a doctoral student working towards an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. I have a goal to increase mental health services at our educational institutions to better support students' educational journeys. I am a highly motivated mental health professional and genuinely passionate about helping others heal and improve their mental health.

My approach

I believe all therapists have their unique approach to therapy. My therapeutic approach starts with building a therapeutic bond and continues through various techniques I utilize, from CBT, DBT, Person-Centered, Trauma-Focused, Reality therapy, Gestalt, etc., modalities. My goal is to support my clients with the best therapeutic approach that adapts to their current mental health symptoms and interpersonal or intrapersonal problems they are struggling with.

My focus

My experiences have led me to believe the importance of being culturally competent is not only essential in my career, but in my social, academic, and personal life. I have and continue to seek skills and education to support children and families who come from various cultures, socioeconomic statuses, family support systems, ages, gender, and national origin. I understand the collectivist and individual societies clients identify with. I support clients who are struggling with various mental health disorders ranging from mood, personality, and trauma disorders.

My communication style

I invite you to a safe space to discuss any problems impacting your emotional well-being. I want you to be heard and understand therapy is a non-judgmental zone for you to share triggers impacting your mental health. I want you to understand your voice and thoughts matter and I empower you to believe in yourself. I encourage you and challenge you within our therapy sessions to build that self-confidence so that you feel more in control of your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

My journey to mental healthcare

My journey as a therapist showcases the choices I have made, the opportunities I have been given, the assets I possess, the areas of growth I still possess, and the forever path I see for myself being a therapist. I have empowered myself to believe that Mental Health is neither Eastern nor Western, it is human. I started my journey at a community college and later obtained my Master's Degree in Educational Counseling with a concentration in Professional Clinical Counselor. Currently, I am a doctoral student of Educational Leadership aiming to implement mental health policies within our educational institutions. I am a passionate LPCC with a long-standing commitment to reducing stigma in mental health and education. As an LPCC, and while working towards a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, I want to create, implement, and promote mental health services and create awareness of how mental health services are essential. I believe what drives me to do this work is being able to witness how therapy has helped and allowed clients to overcome their mental health challenges.

My goals for you

I approach goal setting from a collaborative perspective. I believe goal setting is unique and an experience formulated differently for every client. I want goal-setting to be a team approach and prioritize my client's needs by setting long-term and short-term goals.

My first session with you

My client should expect the first session to be an intake session. The intake session includes rapport building, formal and informal assessment, and treatment planning.