My name is Joshua Santiago. I have a license in mental health counseling in the state of Florida. My style of therapy focuses on an existential mindset and cognitive behavioral skills.
My approach
I utilize an existential approach, focusing on what is important to my clients. For that reason, I use motivational interviewing skills as well to ensure that treatment is relevant to my clients. I use cognitive behavioral skills, mindfulness, and cognitive processing skills as interventions once areas of focus are identified.
My focus
I tend to work with clients who have anxiety, depression, PTSD, phases of life, challenges, low self-esteem, and concerns regarding gender, identity, or sexuality.
My communication style
I like to create an environment that feels human, welcoming, and nonjudgmental. Feedback that I’ve gotten from clients in the past is that it feels that I genuinely care.
My journey to mental healthcare
Before becoming a therapist, I used to teach. Working in the school system, I quickly realized the amount of impact I had on students was relatively minimal due to the overbearing. Focus on performance-driven outcomes for students and very little time for student personal growth. I pivoted looking for something more meaningful. What drives me to continue doing this? My work is having an understanding of the personal benefits that Therapy has had on me; I truly believe that nobody should have to face their challenges alone. I can emphasize how it is to disclose things that are so personal to someone that you don’t know. I want to create a healing environment that is conducive to success,
My goals for you
I utilize motivational interviewing skills to have a collaborative approach to setting goals. Clients are asked about what they want out of treatment or what they wish they could see themselves doing, the therapist offers suggestions on how to break that into pieces, and final treatment plan goals are discussed and approved together.
My first session with you
The first session usually helps you understand why you’re there. It also outlines the rules and expectations for retreatment and develops a treatment narrative.