TrueNorth Therapy Counseling Approach

Find your place of peace

Trauma-Focused CBT

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents impacted by trauma. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) addresses the mental health needs of children, adolescents, and families suffering from the destructive effects of early trauma. The treatment is particularly sensitive to the unique problems of youth with post-traumatic stress and mood disorders resulting from sexual abuse, as well as from physical abuse, violence, or grief.

Child Centered Play Therapy

Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT; Landreth, 1991; 2002; 2012) is a developmentally responsive, play-based mental health intervention for young children ages 3 to 10 who are experiencing social, emotional, behavioral and relational disorders. CCPT utilizes play, the natural language of children, and therapeutic relationship to provide a safe, consistent therapeutic environment in which a child can experience full acceptance, empathy, and understanding from the counselor and process inner experiences and feelings through play and symbols.

Animal Assisted Play Therapy

Animal Assisted Play Therapy (AAPT) is a full integration of play therapy with animal-assisted therapy, primarily for mental health/psychotherapy and education purposes. AAPT has been defined as “the integrated involvement of animals in the context of play therapy, in which appropriately-trained therapists and animals engage with child, family, & adult clients primarily in play interventions aimed at improving the client’s psychosocial health, while simultaneously ensuring the animal’s well-being and voluntary engagement in the process. Play and playfulness are essential ingredients of the interactions & the relationship” (VanFleet, 2013).

Services

Providing services to all ages and stages of life

Sliding scale fees: cash pay or credit card accepted

Psychotherapy:
Child (age 3-10)

In-person sessions

We offer hand-picked interventions based on your child's age, needs, and interests.

Psychotherapy:
Adolescent/Adult

Virtual sessions

We offer talk therapy and/or activity-based therapy to help you navigate your struggle from a place of uncertainty to a place of peace.

Parent Consultation

Virtual or In-person sessions

We offer parent training and consultation to help parents process trauma and provide training on how to implement strategies to build healthy relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wondering what counseling is all about? Nervous about starting therapy?

We are happy to explain some details that may better inform your decision to begin!

How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from participation in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, & enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, & creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, & the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process & put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your child, goals, & values
Developing skills for improving relationships
Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
Learning new ways to cope with stress & anxiety
Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
Improving communication & listening skills
Changing old behavior patterns & developing new ones
Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or with your child
Improving self-esteem & boosting self-confidence

Does my child really need therapy?

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life & there is nothing wrong with seeking out support when you or your child need it. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you are at in life & making a commitment to help you and/or your child change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits & support, giving you and your child the tools you need to avoid triggers, redirect damaging patterns, & overcome whatever challenges are faced.

Why do people go to therapy & how do I know if it is right for me or my child?

People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through major life transitions (custody, visitation, moves, remarriage, trauma), or are struggling to handle stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship/friendship problems, social skill issues, or school concerns. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are redy to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives & ready to make changes in their lives.

What is therapy like?

Because each person has different issues & goals for therapy, it will be different depending on the individual. In general, one can expect to discuss the current events happening in life, personal history relevant to issues, & report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns, or desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with the therapist (usually weekly).

Do you take insurance?

At this time, I do not take insurance as I am a LPC Associate and insurance boards to not credential associates. I do take private pay. I have a sliding scale based on financial needs.

Will what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client & psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, & you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (you’re your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

However, state law & professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming themself or has threatened to harm another person.
Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, & elders to the authorities, including Child Protection & law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.

Complaints or concerns about confidentiality?

Violations may be reported to the Board of Examiners

1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 77856-3183; 1-800-942-5540