Hi there, I'm Demetria Agharese! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Illinois. I believe it is courageous of someone to realize they need help dealing with life challenges. I find that is definitely a strength. I am passionate about counseling others through times of difficulty to find peace and resolutions. I work together in partnership with my clients to create counseling goals in alignment with the desired outcome the client is seeking. My expertise is working with adult clients who are looking to transform their lives for the better. I enjoy working with clients who are in need of healing, or experience depression or anxiety.
My approach
My approach to the therapeutic environment is utilizing Person-centered therapy. I meet the clients where they are and assist individuals in achieving personal growth. The basic premise of Person-centered therapy is that given a therapeutic environment, clients will move toward a positive change. I utilize techniques that encourage clients to find solutions to their problems that are consistent with their own beliefs about themselves and others.
My focus
My expertise is working with adult clients who are looking to transform their lives for the better. I enjoy working with clients who have anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. I believe my clients are equipped with resiliency and have the capacity within to overcome challenges. It is my honor to adhere to my life purpose of making a difference in the lives of others to invoke personal empowerment.
My communication style
My communication style is calm, caring, and an empathetic tone. Clients feel comfortable opening up to me about anything because I have a non-judgmental nature about myself.
My journey to mental healthcare
I became a licensed therapist because I felt a calling to be of service to others and help people navigate life challenges. I found that others found it easy to open up to me about things that were going on in their life. Total strangers were also comfortable opening up to me for help. I am passionate about seeing others reach their goals. I enjoy seeing clients experience a breakthrough in their lives. I received feedback from others often that I was a great listener, patient, empathetic, and possessed excellent problem-solving skills. I found that my personality type resonated with being a therapist so I pursued my dream.
My goals for you
I believe goal setting is an important element in the therapeutic relationship as it defines the growth the client desires. I start by building trust and rapport with my client to create a safe space and supportive environment. I take the time to actively listen to my client's issues and challenges. I work collaboratively with my clients to create a goal that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Utilizing that framework ensures the goal is clear and reasonable to achieve for the client. We will have check-ins along the way to evaluate progress and adjust goals if needed.
My first session with you
The first counseling session is the time for us to create an initial client-therapist relationship. I would like to get to know you and discuss what brought you to counseling. I also would like to know what made you decide this was the right time for you to seek out counseling. This session together is a great opportunity for us to discuss what you hope to achieve out of therapy as well.