Supervised by Kara Tracy, LPC-S - Resident in Counseling
Autumn Church
Supervised by Kara Tracy, LPC-S
Supervised by Kara Tracy, LPC-S
Autumn Church
Autumn completed her undergraduate internship at Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center in 2005 and has worked as a clinician for local non-profit agencies, local Community Services Boards and as a group facilitator with the Adult Behavioral Health Unit at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. Autumn currently works as a School Counselor with Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Her theoretical foundation is rooted in a person-centered approach and a belief that relationship development is the cornerstone of effective treatment. Additional theoretical approaches include Solution Focused Brief counseling as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Autumn utilizes approaches such as thought reframing, goal setting as well as relaxation, creative self-expression and mindfulness techniques .
I worked with a high school senior who had "high functioning autism" as she stated herself. She had difficulty relating to people and didn't have many friends as a result of having different social skills than most of her peers. Her anxiety related to not having friends but wanting to fit in caused social encounters to be even more awkward when they did occur. She enjoyed our sessions because she said that I made her feel normal but what I was doing was teaching her to just be comfortable with who she was and not try to change herself to "fit in."
The first word that comes to mind is flexible. I like to let the conversation flow naturally but also make sure that we re-visit what may have been discussed during the previous session to help with connections. I want my clients to walk away with a plan of how to implement strategies in between sessions which may involve activities such as role-playing or journal writing.
The first session is mostly about getting to know you and what you can expect from me. We will spend time talking about why you are seeking counseling, what you hope for in the future as well as your background information. This helps me get a full picture of who you are so I know how to help you best. We will talk about your goals for counseling and for your life in general.
After seeing many friends and family struggle with mental health challenges I knew at a very young age that I wanted to be in a helping profession. I have had many different opportunities to help people in my community and I'm grateful for all of them but I believe my true passion is working directly with people who may be experiencing challenges during the many changing seasons of our lives.
Highlights
Autumn Church, Resident in Counseling, is under the clinical supervision of Kara Tracy, LPC-S, 2340 Commonwealth Drive, Ste 0101, Charlottesville, VA 22901, (540) 632-1359, while obtaining supervised post-master’s degree experience per the laws and regulations governing the practice of Counseling.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Clients can always expect to recieve support, encouragement, both short-term and long-term goals as well as resources to help them obtain those goals.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I utilize evidence-based therapies, including Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Creative Self-Expression.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I am patient, open minded and have empathy. I believe it is a privilege to hear someone's story and help them sort through parts of life that can be difficult. I have a great deal of experience, both professionally and personally that help me connect with people and offer support.
Specialities