Sidney Sebastian LCSW

Therapy is about building a professional relationship rooted in trust and understanding. I understand how intimidating it can be to begin therapy, or how uncomfortable is it to open up to a stranger. In therapy, you are the subject matter expert on yourself and your life. I like to begin therapy sessions by gaining an understanding of what is going on in your life that led you to seek therapy, what your goals for therapy are, or if direction/goals are part of what you need help finding. It is my job as a therapist to actively listen, provide constructive feedback and encourage looking for alternate perspectives for better understanding.

I believe in integrated, holistic therapy approach. This means, therapy methods are not 'one size fits all'. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) examines how ones thinking patterns are tied to emotional responses which in turn govern our behaviors. Motivational interviewing (MI) approach may work for people who feel 'lost' or are resistant to the uncontrollable changes happening around them. MI uses an open ended communication style to allow the client room to explore their own thoughts and feelings about a subject or situation. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) means 'integration of opposites'. A step above CBT, DBT teaches skills for specific interactions or challenges, and provides coaching and consultation to overcome those hurdles.

• Kentucky, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 255495