Belinda De LeonLPC, LMFT

Therapy goals are vital in the therapeutic process. It allows both the client and therapist to examine if the issue presented at the onset has been addressed and whether the client feels there has been some improvement in that area of his/her life. I am a proponent of having the client determine their own goals in therapy. I believe that the client knows best for what troubles him/her but there are times when talking through the process in the form of inquiry and expression that both the client and therapist can identify issues that help establish their goals. This process is a form of collaboration in which the therapist assists the client in identifying areas they want to work on and therefore create those particular goals. Therapy goals can change and the client can decide if they want to work on other issues or exercise their rights to continue or end therapy. As a therapist, I am here to assist my clients through the therapeutic process by checking with the client as to their progress or help them identify any barriers that may be preventing resolution to their issues. Through the process of collaboration and assessment, the client will be able to reexamine their goals, create new ones or decide that they have reached acceptable resolution regarding their issues.

Barriers can exist all around us in various ways but some barriers people may encounter when seeking care is more personal than environment. It can be frightening and daunting to think that some person you do not know is to hear of your struggles, fears, dreams, goals, etc. I hope to ease that fear by creating a safe environment where unconditional positive regard is exercised. To ease the client's concerns of attending therapy, I will review the client’s rights, therapeutic expectations and limitations and confidentiality issues during the intake session. My hope is that people seek help when they find themselves overwhelmed and need support to help them work through those concerns and issues. There are many counseling services available for a client to review. I believe in a person’s right to choose whether they want to start therapy or continue therapy with me. I believe in building therapeutic trust which requires both the therapist and client to be honest during the process. It is also important to understand that the process may be challenging for clients and may elicit feelings of unrest. Through this therapeutic process, the client and I can work on those issues in a collaborative manner.

My career journey as a mental health clinician began 16 years ago when I worked at an agency that serviced families and children experiencing abuse, domestic violence and behavioral issues respectively. I then ventured into working with a more specific population; with at-risk youth in a residential treatment facility. It was there that I utilized and improved my skills in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) while enhancing my family therapy skills in Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Structural Family Therapy. During my time at this facility, I was trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and I am pending certification. It is now that I embark in private practice due to the events that have occurred last year with COVID-19. The facility I worked at for 14+ years had to close due to the financial impact contributed by this community health risk. I am grateful for my time at this facility and look forward to my future with gratitude and strength in knowing that my skills will be better served for a larger population of individuals, youth and families.

S. Miguel, San Antonio, 78233, TX