Tracy Dillard

My name is Ms. Tracy Dillard. Congratulations! This is the first step of a new journey in your life... I believe that making that first step toward change is a strong indication of showing readiness. I will work with you and provide support; however, you are the driver in this journey. That means, that as long as you are willing to put in effort for change, we can work together to guide YOU to a direction that YOU want to go. I hope this message finds you well, and if it doesn't... just know that you are not alone. Let's work together toward the next steps of your new journey! I, Ms. Tracy Dillard, am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC); License Number MHC-689. I, Ms. Tracy Dillard, am also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) recognized by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)

My approach

I use an array of theoretical approaches which I determine based on your goals and needs. My theoretical approaches include (but are not limited to) Cognitive Behavioral interventions (derived from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) Applied Behavioral Analysis interventions (derived from Applied Behavior Analysis) Person-centered therapy Humanistic Art Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Brief therapy Anger Management

My focus

I aim to work with clients who are motivated for change and willing to work with the therapist in regards to putting forth effort to make those changes towards their overall goals. I'm here to meet you halfway as we go the pace that suits you and your needs as you work towards your goals on your own healing journey.

My communication style

I have a calm tone and aim to provide a safe environment. "Safe" to me means that the client is aware that I provide a safe space for sharing. If the client feels "safe" then they may be open to sharing whatever is on the client's mind. I do not judge a client. Meaning that I am here to support you by creating a non-judgmental atmosphere.

My journey to mental healthcare

I first became interested in therapy when I began doing a peer mentoring group for Anger Management several years ago. I wanted to learn more about mental health but wasn't sure about my career choice so I then achieved my associate degree: Liberal Arts: Social Sciences and Humanities at Onondaga Community College in NY. From there, becoming more interested in mental health, I enrolled in a BA of Psychology degree program at Columbia College of Missouri from a satellite school based in NY. I eventually ended up working as a Skills Trainer doing ABA with children who had Autism and other behavioral disorders in a school setting. From there, I realized my career choice and I wanted to become a mental health therapist so, I decided to enroll in a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I graduated with distinction- in 2017. I eventually decided to work as a residential counselor at a substance use treatment facility. I worked there for years during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, I became licensed as a mental health counselor and a nationally certified counselor from the National Board of Certified Counseling (NBCC). I believe the need for mental health is at an all-time high as one of the many residual effects of the pandemic. I look forward to continuing to help others. Thank you for this opportunity, -Ms. Tracy Dillard, LMHC, NCC Tracy Dillard, LLC

My goals for you

I work with clients by first asking what their overall goal is. Then I help the client develop a SMART goal. Specific if the goal is not specific I work with the client to get to a more specific goal Measurable= I help the client track, hourly/daily/weekly, etc. depending on the goal Achievable = Is it possible for the client? if the overall goal does not appear to be achievable, then I will work with the client to determine which aspect(s) of their goal is achievable Relevant= is the goal really relevant to what the client "wants' or what they may "need" and that really depends on factors of that client's specific journey they wish to take in their life. Time= if client's goal appears to be "long-term", I would work with the client to "break down" the overall goal to short-term goals. I believe when a client works toward and achieves several small goals they are more likely to develop intrinsic motivation for change and their overall "grand" goal.

My first session with you

The first session would be initiating rapport building (I think rapport building takes time over the course of several sessions). I always incorporate my own availability and contact information should you need to reschedule. I am a firm believer in self-care and we may discuss this in the first session. Emergency contact/resources may be necessary. Overall, it is the first meeting and a way to gauge what direction the client would like to go in their journey.