As a counselor, I work from a client-centered perspective to offer you the space and time to explore your thoughts and emotions in a non-judgmental environment. I take a holistic approach that focuses on all aspects of your life, including physical, mental and spiritual components. I will support you on a collaborative journey toward insight, awareness, connection, and personal growth.
I have always been searching for a practical approach to counseling – something that is simple enough to understand, easy enough to apply right away in your everyday life and give you immediate results. Because oftentimes, counselling tools and techniques sound good on paper, but your mind will say: “This is something good, but it’s not who I am. I’m never gonna be able to do it.” I realize that for it to work, it has to click. When you don’t just understand it, but feel it and connect it with your emotion, it makes a world of difference. Knowledge is potential power. You need to find a big enough leverage to apply that knowledge into your life. And that’s when you discover the real power to change. There is a science behind it. Let me help you utilize new skills, experience happiness, and find exciting ways to enjoy a newfound hope in life.
Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) is a good place to start as it helps us discover what you would like to achieve in our sessions and in your life. After we map out a desirable goal, we can start taking necessary steps towards change. We can also incorporate Adult Attachment Focused Therapy (AAFT) to see how your feelings, thoughts and behaviors in present significant relationships relate to your childhood experiences. You will explore how the attachments that you developed in the early years of your life profoundly affects every component of your life – your mind, body, emotions, relationships, values, and self-perception.
I utilize a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach to assist you in recognizing how your feelings, thoughts and behaviors are connected. I also use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to come to terms with what is out of your control and to commit to action that improves and enriches your life. Mindfulness techniques are also useful to help you discover or rediscover your inner strength and ability to grow. My goal is to create a safe place for you to explore your inner-feelings and needs. And once you feel validated, we can figure out ways to empower you so you can create life on your term – a life of Joy, Happiness, Love, Passion, Success and Fulfillment.
My approach works best for those who are relatively independent. Even though you might feel stuck right now in your situations, you believe deep down inside that there is more to life than your struggles. And once you figure out how to become “unstuck,” you can be so much more. After we figure out what has been holding you back, I can coach you to be the best version of yourself.
My approach does not work for those who are depending on substances to cope with their issues or those who need medications for their mental health. For most of these clients, they need more intensive support. They tend to get better results when they can work with a team of professionals, such as psychiatrists, nurses, and support workers who can provide a wrap-around approach. These clients need to take care of their physical body needs first in order to receiving the emotional needs for their minds.
Having said that, I can provide support to the family members of those who are affected by substance usage or mental health issues. I can offer you the tools and techniques so that you can take care of the ones you love in a more manageable and sustainable way. You cannot force them to go seek help, but you can help them to have a better relationship with you. The hope is that when they are ready to seek professional help, you can be there to support them without feeling burnt out or giving up on them. It is possible with a healthy boundary.
Tracy Nguyen 