Jorge A. Lopez. Licensed Mental Health Counselor - MH-16456. My approach to therapy is that I hear the client out and take a collaborative approach to help the client identify not only what their concern is but also potential goals they can form and how they can address those issues overall. My areas of focus in the past have been mostly addiction regarding both substance addictions but also process addictions (gaming/internet/gambling/pornography). I also have experience addressing other mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, mood swings, anger management, and codependency.
My approach
Client-Centered approach mixed with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I also like to include other approaches such as solution-focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
My focus
I typically work with adults over the age of 18. I am comfortable addressing mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, mood swings, anger management, codependency, issues with coping, grief, and coping with medical conditions. However my specific specialty is regarding addiction both regarding substances (drugs or alcohol) but also process addictions (gambling, porn, internet, shopping, sex).
My communication style
I like to establish a safe and collaborative environment with my patients. I am both supportive as well as willing to offer accountability when appropriate.
My journey to mental healthcare
What attracted me to this field was both my own personal experience with therapy in my teenage years but also my nature to be a listener. I was plagued by bullying as a teen and therapy really helped me in managing how that was impacting me and helped me to build healthier self-esteem. What therapy did for me meant so much to me that I wanted to pay it forward by also participating in the field of therapy. Also, my nature to listen had me be the one my friends would talk to when they were struggling with a stressor. Realizing I was that safe place for my friends to discuss their issues made me think I could do well as a therapist. So that plus my own experience led me to the counseling profession.
My goals for you
I inquire to the client what their problem concerns are, have them create a hierarchy of what they would like to address first, and then assist them in identifying specific and observable objectives they can accomplish to help them achieve the overall goal.
My first session with you
First session will be mostly about getting to know each other and learning about the client's background. I want to learn not only about why they are seeking therapy but who they are as a person. I want to focus on building rapport so that the client can become more comfortable with the therapeutic process before we start engaging in therapeutic work.