I’m Lisa Marie Porter, LMHC, and I have been practicing as a mental health counselor for over 7 years. I have a clinical yet conversational approach, and I aim to spend much time at the beginning of therapy getting to know my clients and what is important to them within the process. My focus areas of practice are depression, anxiety, and trauma.
My approach
My approach in therapy is cognitive-behavioral as well as client-centered. For those wanting to address issues on a short-term basis - I also utilize the solution-focused approach.
My focus
I typically work with adults who are wanting to work through depression and anxiety caused/exacerbated primarily by circumstances. I also work with adults that need help with more practical applications within their day-to-day.
My communication style
I desire to create a warm, safe, relaxed, and inviting environment for my clients. I want my clients to feel like they are able to take their time and get comfortable with the session. While working with me, you will feel like your thoughts and feelings are being held and respected - no matter what you bring to the session.
My journey to mental healthcare
I actually chose Psychology as a subject when I was 17 years old and fell in love with it. I was fascinated by learning how the mind works and how our environments and biology work together to shape what we think, how we behave, and how we see the world. I continued my study of Psychology at university, and right after my bachelor's, I decided I wanted to study counseling and help others to work through their thoughts and feelings. I want to help people make sense of what often doesn't make sense! I genuinely believe the more we grow in self-awareness and understand how things have affected us, the more we develop and grasp the power to grow and make changes for the better.
My goals for you
I listen intently to what clients have shared about the problem areas and the things they desire to work on or change. From this, I make suggestions on goals to work on based on what was discussed. I communicate this and allow the client to share if they are in agreement with the goal. I ask for ways they think they can slowly take steps toward meeting these goals, and if they’re stuck, I make suggestions for this, also. Once we are on the same page - we can move forward with ease.
My first session with you
Clients can expect me to ask about their background, history with mental health treatment, why they chose to try therapy, and what they hope to get out of therapy. Clients can also expect me to share a little about myself, my professional experience, as well as logistics/important things to remember with therapy and how they can contact me.