Catherine Iliff, LPC

I am happy that you are here and welcome you to explore your counseling needs with me. Whether new to therapy or returning for additional help, it can be challenging to talk about your needs and hopes with someone you do not know. I am here to help you feel more comfortable in that process. We will talk about what you like and what you need. I can help with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationships, communication, anger and other more serious mental health problems including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. I am also able to do family counseling.

I have many ways to help you, including working with your thoughts through CBT so that you can identify when a thought is not helpful and know what to do to change it. For emotions and stress I am able to help with DBT skills and for trauma I am proficient with EMDR. We will explore communication skills to help you be more effective when talking with others. Learning to be assertive can reduce arguments with others.
Generally, I am a client-focused, solution-focused, reality-based therapist. This means that you, the client, are the center of my attention, and during the sessions, your needs, desires, and hopes are most important. It also means that we are working together to help you find the solutions you are looking for in your life.
I tend to be realistic and direct in communication while at the same time being caring and compassionate. With patience and kindness, I will listen to hear what you are saying without being judgmental or critical, and give you clear feedback about how you can learn and grow. It is important to me that you know I am here to help.
With honesty and realistic goals that are attainable and measurable, we can create a plan that helps you to see your progress and be more in tune with yourself and those around you. As you progress in your goals, we will review what you have accomplished and make changes to adapt your plan to your current needs.
When I began as a therapist, I wanted to know how people think and to be able to help them make their lives less challenging. I knew I cared about people and the suffering they experience, but I wanted to know how to help and what causes individuals to lose sight of their value as a person.
In our first session, we will begin to get to know each other. We will talk about why you are coming to therapy and what you would like to gain or change during your sessions. I will also complete an assessment of your needs and we will make a basic treatment plan to help you get started. We will talk about what therapy is and what it is not. I will use my experience and knowledge to give you the support and information you need to meet your specific goals.