Philosophy of Clinical Mental Health Counseling

As a clinical mental health counselor, I am committed to fostering a therapeutic environment that is grounded in the principles of empathy, collaboration, and empowerment. My philosophy is firmly rooted in the belief that every individual possesses inherent worth and the capacity for growth and self-actualization. Central to my approach is person-centered care, which places the client at the heart of the therapeutic process, honoring their unique experiences, values, goals, and autonomy.

Informed by evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I integrate these modalities seamlessly into a narrative approach that emphasizes the importance of storytelling and meaning-making in the journey toward healing. By helping clients explore and reframe their narratives, we collaboratively identify patterns, challenge negative beliefs, and develop more adaptive coping strategies to navigate life’s challenges.

Collaboration with healthcare providers and prescribers is paramount in pursuing a holistic wellness approach. I believe in the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork, recognizing the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and physical health. By working closely with medical professionals, caseworkers, and other care providers, I strive to ensure that clients receive comprehensive, integrated care that addresses all aspects of their well-being. This includes advocating for clients’ needs, facilitating communication between providers, and coordinating treatment plans to optimize outcomes.

Cultural competency is an essential aspect of my practice. I recognize the impact of culture, identity, and social context on individuals’ experiences of mental health and wellness. By fostering a culturally sensitive and inclusive environment, I aim to create space for clients to explore their identities, values, and beliefs within the context of their cultural backgrounds. This involves ongoing self-reflection, education, and humility, as well as a commitment to addressing systemic barriers and promoting equity and social justice in mental health care.

My philosophy of clinical mental health counseling is rooted in the principles of person-centeredness, evidence-based practice, holistic wellness, and cultural competence. By honoring the uniqueness of each individual, integrating effective therapeutic modalities, collaborating with healthcare providers, and embracing diversity, I strive to empower clients on their journey toward healing and growth.

Education

2024 (Graduating August 2024)
Niagara University
MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling

2017
Olivet Nazarene University
MA Pastoral Leadership

2010
Southern Nazarene University
BS Theology and Ministry

Clinical Experience

Delphi Rise  |  2023-2024

• Provided counseling services to elementary, middle school, and high school students facing addiction issues, familial struggles with addiction, or deemed at high risk for addiction, offering support tailored to their age and developmental needs.
• Advocated for the implementation of policies supporting the administration of nicotine cessation medications throughout the day, aimed at assisting students in their efforts to quit vaping and promoting healthier habits.
• Supported LGBT+ student clubs and individuals, creating a safe and inclusive environment where all students felt accepted and valued.
• Facilitated a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) group for students, offering them practical skills and strategies to manage emotions, cope with stress, and improve interpersonal relationships.
• Ensured compliance with Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) requirements by completing necessary reports and documentation, maintaining accurate records of client interactions and treatment progress.
• Implemented restorative practices within schools, fostering a culture of accountability, empathy, and reconciliation to address conflicts and promote positive relationships among students and staff.
• Conducted psychoeducation sessions in classrooms for students ranging from 4th grade through 8th grade, covering topics such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and life skills, empowering students with knowledge and resources to make informed decisions and prioritize their mental health and well-being.

FLACRA  |  2022-2023

• Facilitated therapeutic groups including ACT, CBT, DBT, Spirituality, and Grief and Loss, fostering a supportive environment for clients in recovery.
• Coordinated client care for doctors mandated to undergo treatment by the Office of Professional Medical Conduct, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and supporting their rehabilitation process.
• Managed a caseload of 90 active clients, providing individualized counseling and support tailored to their unique needs and stage of recovery.
• Advocated for clients within the legal system by writing reports in accordance with court mandates for Ontario County Court and Ontario County probation, ensuring their rights and needs were represented effectively.
• Conducted Narcan training sessions on-site and in the community, equipping individuals with life-saving skills to respond to opioid overdoses and prevent fatalities.
• Provided counseling and support to family members of individuals struggling with substance abuse, helping them navigate the challenges and complexities of their loved one’s addiction.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams including doctors, counselors, psychologists, and peers to coordinate comprehensive care plans, ensuring holistic support for clients on their journey to recovery.

Modalities and Approaches

In my therapeutic practice, I am deeply rooted in a person-centered approach, viewing each individual as inherently capable of growth and self-discovery. Grounded in empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard, this modality serves as the foundation of my work, fostering a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences with openness and trust. Guided by the belief in the client’s inherent wisdom and capacity for self-understanding, I strive to cultivate a therapeutic relationship characterized by mutual respect, collaboration, and empowerment.

While my therapeutic orientation is primarily person-centered, I also recognize the importance of integrating evidence-based modalities to meet the diverse needs of my clients. Drawing from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), I adopt a holistic and flexible approach that combines insight-oriented techniques with practical skills-building strategies. By centering my approach on these modalities, I aim to provide clients with a comprehensive toolkit for navigating life’s challenges, fostering emotional resilience, and promoting sustainable behavior change.

In addition to my person-centered foundation and integration of evidence-based modalities, I am particularly drawn to the narrative approach within therapy. This approach emphasizes the power of storytelling in shaping one’s understanding of self and identity, inviting clients to explore the narratives they have constructed about their lives and experiences. Through collaborative exploration and reconstruction of these narratives, clients can gain insight into their beliefs, values, and personal strengths, ultimately empowering them to rewrite their stories in a way that aligns with their authentic selves and desired outcomes. By weaving together elements of person-centered therapy, narrative therapy, and evidence-based modalities, I strive to offer a holistic and client-centered approach that supports individuals on their journey towards healing, growth, and self-fulfillment.

Assessment and Diagnosis

My role as one of the primary evaluators at FLACRA provided me with invaluable experience in conducting thorough assessments focused on substance use disorders. Utilizing an in-depth knowledge of the DSM-5-TR criteria, I carefully evaluated clients to identify presenting issues and formulate targeted treatment plans. This experience has equipped me with the skills to efficiently assess individuals’ needs and facilitate appropriate interventions. Continuing this trajectory, I seamlessly transitioned to completing evaluations for walk-in clients at Open Access, where I apply my experience in assessment techniques and diagnostic criteria to guide clinical decision-making with precision and empathy.

Moreover, my dedication to providing comprehensive care extends to my work with Prevention clients, where I conduct assessments and screens to proactively address potential risk factors and promote overall well-being. Through active listening, compassionate communication, and evidence-based practices, I create a supportive environment where clients feel empowered to share their concerns and collaborate on goal-setting. By leveraging my assessment and evaluation skills in these various settings, I remain committed to delivering high-quality, client-centered care that fosters positive outcomes and facilitates individuals’ journeys toward wellness.

Treatment Planning

The following is a treatment plan that is co-developed with a client. Some portions are redacted and/or modified for the protection and anonymity of Client.

Client Name: [Client’s Name]

Date: [Date]

Goals:

1. Challenge Cognitive Distortions:

• By [specific date], Client will identify at least 3 cognitive distortions they commonly experience and identify at least one helpful way of challenging these distortions using CBT techniques learned during therapy sessions.

2. Mood Improvement through Healthy Activities:

• Within 30 days, Client will engage in at least two mood-enhancing activities per week, such as exercise, socializing with a trusted friend, or practicing mindfulness. Client will select activities that appeal to them, and will report the impact they are having on client’s mood to writer.
• Client will actively participate in brainstorming and selecting the activities that they believe will be most beneficial for their mood improvement.

3. Monitoring Negative Thoughts and Replacing with Positive Self-Talk:

• Over the next 30 days, Client will keep a daily thought record journal, identifying and replacing at least 3 negative thoughts with positive self-talk each day.

Interventions:

1. Cognitive Distortion Challenge:

• Education: Writer will provide psychoeducation on cognitive distortions and their impact on emotions and behaviors.
• Identification: Together, Writer and Client will identify specific cognitive distortions present in Client’s thoughts.
• Challenging Techniques: Writer will teach Client techniques such as cognitive restructuring and Socratic questioning to challenge and reframe distorted thoughts.

2. Mood Improvement through Healthy Activities:

• Activity Planning: Client and Writer will collaborate to brainstorm and plan mood-enhancing activities that align with Client’s interests and preferences.
• Implementation: Clienet will be encouraged to integrate these activities into their weekly routine and to monitor their mood before and after engaging in each activity.
• Evaluation: Regular check-ins during therapy sessions will allow Client to reflect on the effectiveness of the activities in improving their mood.

3. Monitoring Negative Thoughts and Replacing with Positive Self-Talk:

• Journaling: Writer will provide Client with a thought record journal template to track negative thoughts and their associated emotions.
• Identification of Patterns: Through regular review of the journal, Client and Writer will identify recurring negative thought patterns.
• Cognitive Restructuring: Writer will guide Client in replacing negative thoughts with positive, realistic alternatives and developing coping statements to counteract cognitive distortions.

Progress Monitoring:

• Progress towards each goal will be assessed during therapy sessions through discussions and review of homework assignments.
• Client will be encouraged to provide feedback on their experiences with each intervention and to suggest any adjustments or modifications to the treatment plan.
• Periodic review sessions will be scheduled to evaluate overall progress and determine whether treatment goals need to be revised or updated. Periodic check-ins regarding goals will occur during regularly scheduled sessions, and goals will be formally reviewed in 90 days.

Collaboration and Client Involvement:

• Client has been and will continue to be actively involved in the development and modification of treatment goals and interventions to ensure they are aligned with their individual needs and preferences.
• Open communication between Writer and Client will be encouraged to foster a collaborative therapeutic relationship and facilitate progress towards treatment goals.

Group Counseling

Over the course of one year at FLACRA, I had the privilege of leading various psychotherapy groups encompassing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Spirituality, and Grief and Loss. Engaging with over 200 clients throughout this period, I witnessed the transformative power of group therapy in fostering personal growth and resilience. My role extended beyond facilitating discussions; it involved supporting each client’s journey towards their goals, providing comprehensive psychoeducation, and adeptly navigating group dynamics to ensure a safe and supportive environment for exploration and healing.

At FLACRA, I embraced a holistic approach to group therapy, recognizing the importance of addressing diverse aspects of mental health and well-being. Integrating evidence-based techniques from CBT, ACT, and DBT, I tailored interventions to meet the unique needs of each group and its participants. Additionally, my work with Spirituality and Grief and Loss groups allowed for deeper exploration of existential questions and facilitated meaning-making processes among clients. Through skillful facilitation and empathetic guidance, I encouraged clients to confront and challenge their limiting beliefs, cultivate mindfulness and acceptance, and develop adaptive coping strategies to navigate life’s challenges.

In addition to my work at FLACRA, I had the opportunity to lead a seven-week Emotional Regulation group at Newark Middle School aimed at equipping students with essential emotional regulation skills. Through interactive exercises, psychoeducation sessions, and group discussions, students learned to identify and manage their emotions effectively, fostering a sense of self-awareness and emotional resilience. This experience underscored the importance of early intervention and the profound impact of psychotherapy in empowering individuals of all ages to thrive emotionally and mentally.

Collaboration and Referral

I hold a steadfast belief in the power of collaboration and referral to enhance the quality of care and support provided to clients. I view collaboration not only as a professional duty but as a fundamental principle guiding my approach to therapy. I have had the privilege of working on multidisciplinary teams, witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of collective expertise and diverse perspectives on client outcomes. By fostering open communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making among team members, we can harness our collective strengths to comprehensively address our clients’ complex needs.

Additionally, interacting with county courts and probation services has been integral to client care while working in substance abuse recovery, further reinforcing my commitment to collaboration and referral. Recognizing the interconnectedness of legal and mental health systems, I prioritize building collaborative relationships with court officials, probation officers, and other stakeholders to ensure continuity of care and holistic support for clients involved in legal proceedings. By actively engaging with these systems, I was able to advocate for the integration of mental health considerations into legal processes and facilitate access to appropriate services and interventions for individuals navigating the intersection of mental health and criminal justice. At times, I had to carefully push back against unjust assumptions and unfair practices within the criminal justice system and found that having previously established a positive rapport with probation officers and judges created a foundation that allowed my concerns to be heard and considered.

Central to my philosophy of collaboration and referral is the recognition that no single practitioner or agency can address the myriad needs of every client. Therefore, I approach referrals as a proactive and empowering strategy to connect clients with specialized resources and support networks that complement and augment the services I provide. Whether referring clients to community mental health centers, substance abuse treatment facilities, or other social service agencies, I prioritize individualized care and informed choice, ensuring that referrals are tailored to each client’s unique circumstances, preferences, and goals. By cultivating a network of trusted collaborators and resources, I strive to empower clients to access the comprehensive support they need to navigate life’s challenges and achieve lasting well-being.

Cultural Competence

My journey towards becoming a culturally competent clinician has been guided by a commitment to continuous learning, community engagement, and advocacy for marginalized populations. Through a proactive approach to professional development, I have actively sought out trainings and workshops to deepen my understanding of cultural humility, diversity, and inclusion within the field of mental health. Additionally, I have dedicated time to reading books and literature that explore the intersectionality of culture, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, and mental health, broadening my perspective and fostering empathy toward diverse lived experiences.

In my pursuit of cultural competence, I have actively engaged with various communities to better understand and address the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals from different cultural backgrounds. By participating in panels and advocacy initiatives, I have used my platform and privilege to amplify the voices of those in recovery from substance abuse and advocate for inclusive policies and services. Furthermore, I have become an active ally for LGBT+ issues, striving to create affirming and safe spaces for individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities within my practice.

Central to my approach to cultural competence is the intentional investment of time and effort to develop a broad understanding of the diverse perspectives and issues faced by diverse groups. Through ongoing dialogue, self-reflection, and collaboration with colleagues and community members, I continuously strive to challenge biases, dismantle systemic barriers, and foster a more inclusive and equitable mental health landscape. By embracing cultural humility and recognizing the richness of diversity, I am committed to providing culturally responsive and affirming care that honors the unique identities and experiences of each individual I serve.

Professional Involvement

Founder of Faithful Minds, a platform engaged in the spread of mental health wellness opportunities and efforts to reduce the stigma of accessing mental health and substance abuse services for members of faith communities through public speaking opportunities, panels, and informational pamphlets.

American Counseling Association member since 2022.

References

Hennessey Lustica

Community Schools Mental Health Director


Regina Baker

FLACRA Clinic Director

For contact information for either reference, please request by email at portfolio@nickhighland.com