Dr. Whykisha L. Easterling

Goal: To gather background information and assess the client’s needs. Process: During the first session, you would review intake forms and ask questions about the client's history, current challenges, and goals for therapy. This is also when you clarify expectations, confidentiality, and boundaries. Outcome: Establish a baseline understanding of the client's situation and concerns. Building Rapport and Establishing Trust Goal: Create a safe, non-judgmental space for open communication. Process: Actively listen, show empathy, and encourage the client to share their thoughts and feelings. Trust is essential for an effective counseling relationship. Outcome: The client feels comfortable and supported, laying the groundwork for future sessions. Assessment and Goal Setting Goal: Develop a clear understanding of the client's issues and set achievable goals. Process: Conduct assessments (if necessary), ask detailed questions, and work collaboratively with the client to define their goals for therapy. This might involve creating a treatment plan. Outcome: Identify specific issues to focus on and agree on measurable goals to work toward. Therapeutic Intervention Goal: Address the client’s challenges using appropriate therapeutic techniques. Process: Based on the client’s needs, you’ll use evidence-based practices like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, or other approaches to help the client develop coping skills, process emotions, and work through challenges. Outcome: The client begins to actively engage in the healing process, learning new strategies to manage their mental and emotional health. Monitoring Progress Goal: Track the client’s progress toward their goals. Process: Regularly check in with the client to assess how they’re doing, whether they’re meeting their goals, and if adjustments to the plan are needed. You may use self-reporting, questionnaires, or other tools to measure progress. Outcome: Ensure the client is moving forward and adjusting treatment if needed. Reviewing and Adjusting the Treatment Plan Goal: Ensure continued alignment between the client's needs and the therapeutic approach. Process: As therapy progresses, revisit the client's goals, reflect on what’s working, and make any necessary changes to the treatment plan. Outcome: Ongoing adaptation of counseling methods to meet evolving client needs. Termination or Transition Planning Goal: Successfully conclude the therapeutic relationship when goals are met or transition the client to a different level of care if necessary. Process: As the client nears the completion of their therapy, help them reflect on their progress, discuss any future challenges, and provide tools for maintaining mental health post-therapy. If further support is needed, help them transition to another service or professional. Outcome: A healthy closure of the therapeutic process, with the client equipped to handle future challenges independently. This structured approach allows me to provide effective, client-centered counseling and adapt your process to meet the unique needs of each individual.

I have a degree in, counseling, psychology, social work, which provided me with a deep understanding of human behavior, mental health challenges, and effective therapeutic techniques. In addition to my degree, I’ve undergone specialized training in areas that directly support the work I do with clients, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, or family counseling. Beyond my formal education, I continuously pursue professional development opportunities, such as workshops and certifications, to stay current with the latest advancements in mental health treatment. This allows me to offer evidence-based techniques that are tailored to meet the unique needs of my clients."

Individual Counseling: Typically ranges from $75 to $200 per session. Couples Counseling: Usually costs between $100 and $250 per session. Family Counseling: Often ranges from $100 to $300 per session. Group Therapy: Generally lower, around $30 to $80 per session, depending on the group size. Sliding Scale Options: I offer sliding scale fees based on income to accommodate clients who may not afford standard rates.

"I’ve always had a passion for helping others and understanding the complexities of human behavior. This interest led me to pursue a degree in counseling. Along the way, I recognized the profound impact that emotional and mental health has on people’s lives, and I knew I wanted to support individuals in navigating life’s challenges. After gaining experience through internships, volunteer work, or other roles in mental health services, I obtained the necessary certifications to practice. From there, I continued to develop my skills, eventually deciding to focus on areas that resonate with me, such as anxiety, trauma, or relationships My goal has always been to offer a safe and supportive space for individuals to grow, heal, and thrive."

Individuals with Mental Health Issues: People dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other psychological disorders. Families: Families experiencing conflicts, communication issues, or transitions, such as divorce or loss. Couples: Partners seeking to improve their relationship, navigate conflicts, or address intimacy issues. Children and Adolescents: Young people facing developmental challenges, bullying, or behavioral issues. Individuals in Crisis: Those dealing with significant life changes, such as grief, job loss, or major life transitions. Clients Seeking Personal Growth: People looking to enhance their self-awareness, set goals, or improve their overall well-being.

Identify Your Needs: Reflect on what specific issues or goals you want to address, whether it's anxiety, relationship problems, or personal growth. Check Credentials: Ensure the counselor is licensed and has relevant qualifications or specializations in your area of concern. Read Reviews: Look for testimonials or reviews from previous clients to gauge their experiences and effectiveness. Assess Compatibility: Schedule an initial consultation to see if you feel comfortable with their style and approach. A strong therapeutic alliance is crucial. Inquire About Methods: Ask about the techniques and approaches they use to ensure they align with your preferences. Consider Logistics: Think about practical aspects like location, availability, and fees to ensure they fit your lifestyle. Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, choose someone you feel at ease with, as this is key to a successful counseling experience.

What specific concerns or issues am I facing? Think about whether you're seeking help for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, stress, or something else. What are my goals for counseling? Define what you hope to achieve, such as improving communication, managing emotions, building coping skills, or overcoming trauma. What type of counseling am I looking for? Decide if you need individual, couples, family, or group counseling. Do I prefer a counselor with a particular specialization? Some counselors focus on specific issues, such as addiction, trauma, or career counseling. Consider if you need a specialist. What qualities am I looking for in a counselor? Reflect on whether you have preferences for a counselor’s gender, age, cultural background, or communication style. How do I feel about the mode of counseling? Determine if you're comfortable with in-person sessions, or if you'd prefer online or phone counseling for convenience. What is my budget and do I have insurance coverage? Check if the counseling fits within your budget or if your insurance covers mental health services. Am I open to different therapeutic approaches? Research whether you’d prefer cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, etc. How often can I commit to counseling sessions? Think about your availability for regular appointments, whether weekly or biweekly, and how long you want the counseling to last. What outcomes am I expecting, and how will I measure progress? Consider how you will know whether counseling is helping and what signs of improvement you're looking for. Having clear answers to these questions will help guide the conversation with a counseling professional, making it easier to find the right match and approach for your needs.