Miki’s Approach
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to provide quality mental health care. As a mental health professional, I believe you have to change your thoughts/perspective to be able to change your behaviors in order to have a life that you enjoy and allows you to thrive. I provide in-person sessions and will eventually incorporate Dixie Rae, my Therapy Dog in Training. Animal Assisted Interventions have been proven to lower anxiety, depression, and physiological status such as blood pressure and heart rate.
Services
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Types of Counseling Available
Individual
Group
Couples
Parent/Child
Ages: 12 - Adult
$150 out of pocket with Superbill
Aetna and Cigna insurances accepted
50 minute session
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
Self-esteem
Relationships
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provides a structured method to understand thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It focuses on identifying and challenging negative thoughts that contribute to emotional distress and unhealthy behaviors. Using techniques like cognitive restructuring and behavioral activation, CBT promotes healthier coping strategies. It effectively addresses mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Thus, CBT is essential for those looking to enhance their emotional well-being and quality of life.
Why Animal Assisted Therapy?
Research demonstrates that interacting with animals, such as petting or being around them, offers significant emotional and physiological benefits. These interactions can lead to measurable changes in the body’s stress response and overall sense of well-being.
Physiological Benefits:
- Lowering Blood Pressure and Heart Rate: Spending time with animals can reduce blood pressure and slow heart rate, promoting cardiovascular health.
- Reducing Cortisol Levels: Animals help lower cortisol, the stress hormone, reducing anxiety and promoting calmness.
Emotional Benefits:
- Increasing Dopamine Levels: Interaction with animals stimulates the release of dopamine, the “feel good” hormone, enhancing mood and creating feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation.
- Enhanced Relaxation: The combined effect of these physiological changes leads to a relaxed state, decreasing anxiety and setting the stage for effective therapeutic work.
Therapeutic Implications:
- Foundation for Therapy: Relaxation and reduced anxiety make individuals more receptive to therapeutic interventions.
- Improved Engagement: Increased dopamine levels boost motivation and engagement in therapy sessions.
Overall, the presence of animals in therapeutic settings fosters a holistic sense of well-being, enhancing both emotional and physiological health and leading to more meaningful therapeutic outcomes.
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