Rachel LarsonLMHC, CAMS-I, CPTT, CSAT-Candidate
Availability
In Central Time
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What does a first session with you look like?
The first session is a great way to see how well we may work together. There is a lot of information gathering at this first session as we get to know one another. Each therapist is different so even if you have been to therapy before, there is a bit of an orientation that takes place. Questions are encouraged. My goal is for you to be comfortable with the whole therapeutic process. If we decide at the end of the first session that I am not the best therapist for you, then I will provide you with some referrals that may be a better fit for you.
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
Therapy is not a marriage. If you try it and decide you do not like it, you can always stop. Or if you decide that your therapist is not the one for you, you can always try another therapist. Also, you can start and stop as you need. Sometimes, we are only ready to do so much, then we need to take a break. That is okay. Therapy is to help you heal and grow at your own pace.
How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
You decide what you want to work on, what your goals are. I help you identify your starting point and measure your progress. Together we come up with a treatment plan that will work for you. I am here to support you and your life.
Specialties
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Sexuality Based Issues
Sexuality refers to habits and preferences in terms of sexual behavior, which people express in many ways. Issues in this area may be related to confusion or distress about sexuality or sexual identity.
Anger management
It's normal to experience anger at times, but for some, it becomes so frequent, intense, or difficult to control that it negatively affects their life. Anger management is a structured therapeutic approach toward reducing one’s anger to a point where more appropriate coping and/or conflict management skills are used. Beliefs and thoughts leading toward anger outbursts are explored while healthy coping and interpersonal skills are put into practice.
Sex Addiction
Though not a formally recognized disorder in the DSM-5, sex addiction is characterized as an intimacy disorder in which an individual engages in a compulsive pattern of repetitive behavior directed toward sexual gratification that may lead to negative role, social, safety, or legal consequences. It is a progressive and pervasive condition in which one continues to chronically engage in sexual behavior despite the consequences.
Trauma
Trauma is the result of experiencing a perceived, extremely distressful event. Although the stress threshold for each person differs, meaning that each person considers and experiences trauma differently, it is an event that tops one’s threshold. It exceeds one’s ability to cope or emotionally process. Symptoms may include shock, anxiety, confusion, hopelessness, feeling disconnected, mood swings, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
General Expertise
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Loss/Grief
Grief is a reaction to an emotionally significant loss and often comes with symptoms of depression or anxiety. These symptoms can remain intense and last for a long time after a loss, making it difficult to move forward with a healthy lifestyle.
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the degree to which a person feels confident, valuable, and worthy of respect. Feeling low self-esteem can influence overall well-being and be linked to anxiety and/or depression.
ADHD
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) causes a hard time focusing attention and controlling restless or impulsive behavior. People with ADHD might have emotional outbursts, be forgetful, and/or find it difficult to stay organized.
Abuse/Survivors of abuse
Abuse includes any significant mistreatment along the lines of psychical, emotional, sexual, verbal, and neglect. Survivors of abuse may experience negative thoughts and feelings, flashbacks, distrust of others, social withdrawal, self-harm, and increased likelihood of developing mental health and substance abuse issues.
Fees
$165
First Session
$165
Family Therapy
$165
Couples Therapy
$165
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Individual Session
Couples Session
Group Session
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Mindfulness Practices
Attachment-Based Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Existential Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Training / Certifications
CAMS-I
CPTT
EMDR
RAE
CSAT-Candidate
Licensure
FL, LMHC, MH17058
Education
M.A. Professional Counseling, Liberty University
Work History
I interned in a community health center and a residential treatment program for inmates while working on my degree. While there, I became a Certified Anger Management Specialist and began working with clients who were court-ordered to receive Anger Management, as well as substance abuse issues. After graduation, I opened my practice and worked under supervision in a church counseling center. It was here that I began working with wives of sex addicts and those who had experience sexual traumas. I also began working at a substance abuse center, leading intensive outpatient groups and providing substance abuse education classes. I have continued to gain more education and experience in the areas of sex, intimacy and relationships; trauma; anger management and substance abuse to constant improve my ability to be of support to my clients.
Location
310 E. Government St., Pensacola, 32502, FL