Lucretia Mayer (She/Her)

Using techniques from CBT and DBT to discover distressing thought patterns and emotional responses can help people with depression to learn ways to better cope with stress and manage their symptoms of depression, address the root causes of their depression, develop a more positive outlook on life and improve their relationships with others. It can even help clients regain a sense of control and pleasure in life.

I focus on helping patients develop healthier coping mechanisms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a highly effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. It can help patients identify and challenge negative thoughts, learn relaxation techniques, and develop better coping and problem-solving skills. Psychotherapy can also help patients uncover the underlying causes of their anxiety, develop a more positive outlook on life, and improve their relationships with others and themselves.

My approach to serving LGBTQIA+ clients is deeply rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a supportive, affirming, and safe environment where they feel valued and understood. My focus is on providing care that is culturally sensitive and respectful of each person's identity and experiences. This method seeks to foster a therapeutic relationship built on trust, empathy, and empowerment - because everyone has the right to be seen, heard, and cherished for who they are.

I find Gestalt therapy to be an effective approach for helping clients to become more self-aware and present in the moment. This form of therapy emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of a person’s life when considering the challenges they face. It also involves taking responsibility rather than placing blame. Gestalt therapy gives attention to how we place meaning and make sense of our world and our experiences.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) beautifully embodies the delicate dance between accepting one's current situation and the desire for personal transformation. This treatment has empowered me to support clients in acknowledging their present circumstances while also fostering a drive for self-improvement. The therapy is thoughtfully constructed around four fundamental pillars: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Throughout my professional journey, I've come to appreciate the invaluable role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in addressing a wide range of psychological challenges. Reflecting on my experiences, CBT has repeatedly shown its deep-seated effectiveness in helping clients unravel the complex interplay between their thoughts, feelings, and actions. This enlightening realization empowers them to initiate positive changes in their lives.

In my therapeutic work, I've found the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) technique to be an essential tool, especially for those grappling with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). My journey with EMDR has been deeply impactful, providing clients an innovative and highly effective route towards healing. This method operates on the understanding that bilateral stimulation—often achieved through directed eye movements—can aid in processing distressing memories.

A core part of my approach is to honor the wide range of emotions and reactions that grief can stir up. These might encompass feelings of sorrow, anger, guilt, and sometimes even relief. My job is to support you in understanding that your emotions are completely valid and to help you realize that the path through grief isn't linear. Instead, it often involves journeying through different stages and emotional states in an unpredictable order.

In supporting clients dealing with racial issues, my approach involves creating a safe and empathetic space where their experiences are not only heard but also validated. I understand the profound impact of racism on mental health and thus, prioritize culturally sensitive care. My strategy is to empower clients by acknowledging systemic injustices and exploring the effects of racial trauma. The ultimate goal is to promote healing and resilience through therapeutic strategies