Cristina Gonzalez LMFT

During the early phase of therapy, the focus will be on discussing the symptoms or issues that brought you to therapy. Once we have a good understanding of those issues, the next step is to create a treatment plan based on the strategies that would be most effective in addressing them. During the middle phase of therapy, we will use different techniques and interventions to reach the goals we've set in the treatment plan. Techniques generally include problem-solving skills, psychoeducation, and communication enhancement. During this late phase of therapy, we review how mental health symptoms have been alleviated and how you can maintain your mental health once the symptoms have been alleviated.

My treatment methods are eclectic and depend on what works best for the individual I am working with. I primarily use cognitive behavior therapy but I may also include humanistic and solution-focused techniques. As a therapist, my job is to listen and explore the behavioral or cognitive issues and stressors that are impacting your life and to help you explore the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors associated with these issues. Challenging negative thoughts and examining core beliefs are essential to my practice. When appropriate, we may discuss education about a specific issue, coping skills to manage stress, or interpersonal skills to improve relationships. My goal is to help you feel safe in examining your thoughts so that you can increase the positive thoughts and behaviors you desire as well as improve your problem-solving skills.

• Florida, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, MT1980