© 2018 by Jessica Sherman, MA, LLPC. 

My Approach

No two individuals are the same. That's why I utilize different modalities to address issues and experiences unique to each of my clients. At the core of my practice, I I believe in honoring the individual as they are. This means that I provide a safe and comfortable space for self expression and disclosure. At the same time, I challenge you to address patterns and behaviors that are keeping you from living your fullest life. Together, we can unpack and explore your individual story, and discover ways to curate a more authentic life. 

 

Although I choose not to align myself with one particular therapeutic theory, I find that there are certain models best suited for talk therapy. That's why I lean towards a Humanistic perspective, one that focuses on the individual's self-development and growth. Therapists that adopt a Humanistic perspective recognize the importance of their client's individual strengths, creativity, and choice in the 'here and now'. 

Person-Centered Theory ultimately sees human beings as having the innate ability to develop towards their full potential.  As your therapist, it is my role to positively value you as an individual, and provide you with the space to talk in an open, and genuine manner. 

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The Person-Centered approach trusts that human beings have an innate tendency to find fulfillment of their own personal potentials, and helps them to recognize their own capacity for self-healing and personal growth. Ultimately, feeling accepted, and understood is essential to reconnect with your inner values and sense of self-worth, thereby enabling individuals to move forward. 

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Over time, a person's identity - their personal judgements, meanings and experiences - can become displaced with the ideals of others. It is for this reason that Person-Centered Counseling aims to help individuals to self-actualize and achieve personal growth. Through the provision of a supportive environment, clients can strengthen and expand on their own identity and begin to separate themselves from their developed notions of how they should be. 

PERSON-CENTERED

Solution-Based Therapy is a goal-directed collaborative approach that focuses on solutions rather than problems or past failures. Our sessions will focus on nurturing your existing strengths, and creating solutions to drive change. We will focus on setting clear and concise goals, while creating a clear picture for the future.

 

Solution-Based Therapy works by helping individuals overcome problems, without tackling them directly. Through discussion, we will develop a detailed picture of your envisioned future, and explore past experiences and times when you felt happier, and more fulfilled. My role as your therapist is to help elicit solutions and goals through the process of discussion, exploration, and self-disclosure. Throughout this process, we aim to evoke a sense of hope and expectation, enabling individuals to realize their potential, and find the courage to move forward.

SOLUTION-FOCUSED

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the preferred techniques to treat depression and anxiety, but can also be effective in treating a variety of other issues. Based on the idea that negative feelings are the result of distorted beliefs or thought patterns, CBT aims to change an individual's way of thinking. Treatment focuses on the connection between our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Using a combination of behavioral and cognitive principles, CBT challenges unhelpful thinking and behavioral patterns to resolve current problems. 

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Recognized as one of the most popular forms of talk therapy, CBT looks to help manage problems by enabling you to recognize how your thoughts can affect your feelings and behavior. The belief is that by changing the way we think, we can change the way we feel. Through therapy, we examines learnt behaviors, habits and negative thought patterns with the intention of adapting and turning them into a positive.

COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL