Denissie Santana

About Me

Hello! I'm a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with a passion for helping individuals navigate through life's challenges. I have extensive experience working with people from all walks of life, backgrounds, and ages. My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their thoughts and emotions. I obtained my master's degree in counseling psychology from a reputable institution, and I'm licensed to practice in New Jersey. I have received specialized training in various areas, including obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety. I believe in taking a collaborative approach to therapy, where the client and therapist work together to identify goals and develop a treatment plan. My therapeutic approach is integrative and tailored to the unique needs of each client. I draw from evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. I am committed to providing a compassionate and supportive environment, where clients can feel heard, validated, and empowered. My goal is to help clients build resilience, improve their coping skills, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. I believe that therapy is a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation, and I feel honored to be part of my client's journey towards healing. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, and reading. I look forward to connecting with you and supporting you on your path to wellness.

Highlights

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

I aim to help my clients improve their overall well-being and achieve their desired outcomes. Through our sessions together, clients can expect to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I work with clients to develop and enhance their coping skills, which can help them manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges they may face in their daily lives. My approach to therapy is focused on empowering clients to develop resilience and bounce back from setbacks and challenges. I help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs, which can hinder their ability to make effective decisions and solve problems. I also work with clients to improve their communication skills, which can lead to healthier and more fulfilling relationships. Overall, clients can expect to gain new insights, skills, and perspectives from our sessions together, which can help them live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their thoughts and emotions. My goal is to provide compassionate and supportive guidance that helps my clients achieve their therapeutic goals and renew their sense of hope for the future.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

I have extensive training and experience in using a variety of evidence-based methods and tools to help clients achieve their desired outcomes. I believe that no single approach works for everyone, which is why I tailor my therapy process to meet the specific needs and goals of each client. One of the methods I use is Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is highly effective in helping clients recognize and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress. By focusing on changing negative behaviors and thoughts, clients can achieve significant improvements in mood and functioning. I also use solution-focused therapy, which is a strengths-based approach that focuses on helping clients identify and build upon their existing resources and strengths to achieve their goals. This approach empowers clients to find solutions to their problems and overcome obstacles, with the therapist serving as a supportive guide. Mindfulness-based interventions are another tool I use, which involves bringing attention to the present moment and developing a non-judgmental awareness of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. This practice helps clients reduce stress, improve emotion regulation, and develop greater self-awareness. Motivational interviewing is a method that helps clients resolve ambivalence and build motivation for change. This approach involves using open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations to help clients explore their values and goals and develop a plan for change. In addition to these methods, I may also incorporate expressive arts therapy, relaxation techniques, or other tools as appropriate. My objective is to work collaboratively with clients to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and goals and helps them achieve lasting positive change.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I believe that my biggest strengths are my ability to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and emotions. I also pride myself on being an empathetic and compassionate listener, which allows me to develop a deep understanding of my clients' experiences. Another strength I bring to my work as an LPC is my ability to tailor my approach to meet each client's unique needs and goals. I understand that each client is an individual with their own set of challenges, and I work to develop a personalized treatment plan that works best for them. I also have extensive experience using a range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques and tools, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and trauma-focused therapy methods. This diversity allows me to draw on a range of techniques and tools to help clients make the progress they desire. Finally, I believe that my commitment to ongoing professional development and self-reflection is another strength that benefits my clients. I regularly attend training sessions and conferences to stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field of counseling. I also continually reflect on my own biases and assumptions to ensure that I am providing the best possible care to my clients.