I strive to approach clients' troubles through the lens of empathy and understanding from clients' point of experience. I believe the best communication style in my helping profession is to first LISTEN with compassion and without judgment.

I am Gifty Pampuru. My focus is on working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, phase of life issues, trauma and spiritual issues. I use Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, Internal Family Systems. I mostly work with adult population who struggle with anxiety, life stressors, depression, and trauma. I definitely want my client to feel comfortable with me. I do not believe that counseling has to be all serious. As we learn to pair negative moments with positive ones, I utilize humor, jokes, lived experiences (funny and tense). There are times, I have to be direct with clients (differs with clients). It was a long cherished dream since my young age to be a counselor because I was inspired by the counselors who lead our prayer group. While working as a mental health nurse and attending to my clients, I always wanted to do more that just nursing care. Of all the options, counseling was the only career I could do and though it was a long journey, I am glad I undertook it. I include the client in setting their goals. Sometimes the clients are aware of what they want to work on and other times, they need assistance. Client can expect a warm atmosphere with positive regard. They will be listened to and will be included in all decision making. At the end of the intake, they will be assisted in creating a care plan aiming towards the goals they want to reach and set their schedule.

If someone is struggling with today's news and events, surviving a difficult upbringing, or wrestling with issues of identity, the best thing they can do for themselves is to find that safe, affirming space that allows them to speak freely without fear of judgement. My goal is to provide the emotional, physical, and affirming space for that very thing to happen. My clientele consists of students, mental health professionals, veterans, seniors, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I hold master's degrees in trauma informed counseling and the arts. Sometimes individuals have a block and the words are difficult to find. A more creative process can often reveal nonverbal cues and metaphors that can deepen understanding and healing. I help clients use imagery, symbolism, and creative expression to uncover meaning and insight. I currently work with individuals ages 8 and up, I have worked with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, grief and loss, life transitions, and trauma-related issues. I bring creativity, compassion, warmth, and a genuine desire to provide affirmation, and occasionally humor to foster a safe, affirming, and empowering environment.

My 25+ years of experience has taught me the importance of making the time to listen and understand before I start making suggestions. This involves understanding each person's life story, administering assessment tools, reviewing relevant records, and interviewing other people that my client and I agree should be involved. I believe strongly in evaluating strengths as well as pain, with my feedback emphasizing the former. I also believe in letting my clients know about what research-based treatments are available to them so that we can collaborate in experiencing transformative change ASAP. I believe in setting life-altering goals before beginning, and checking on progress as we go. My intention is to promote healing, wellness, and happiness as thoroughly and as effectively as possible. With child and teen clients, I use a variety of methods to make each person comfortable (e.g., I use magic to connect with kids and teens, referring to myself as a wizard).

I am approved EMDRIA consultant. I provide a warm, empathic environment that allows you to explore the issues that have brought you to therapy. After this exploration I work with you to gain insight to the issues whether it be feeling "stuck" in the past, suffering with depression or anxiety, or a relationship, work or college concern. With this knowledge I work collaboratively with you to see you move to a place of action, to either process old memories that are keeping you "stuck", or to learn new skills to help you move forward. . I believe there is always hope and change is possible.

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with 8 years of experience providing psychiatric care. My background includes inpatient and outpatient behavioral health care, as well as experience working with geriatric patients in long-term care settings. I specialize in medication management and support individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar, obsessive-compulsive challenges (OCD), personality-related challenges, and autism. I also work with clients navigating substance use, trauma, parenting challenges, caregiver burnout, and major life stressors. My goal is to create a supportive environment where clients feel heard and understood.

It is my highest responsibility to provide a safe environment that induces my client's trust and alliance. I am on my client's journey without being judgmental. Each client is unique and each client well-being is of the uttermost importance. My client's needs and desires are highly considered. The therapy I provide allows my clients to address their concerns, fears, and issues. I assist my clients in finding ways to better communicate and to resolve issues without engaging in conflict. My client's who seek relationship counseling engage in a process that requires their active participation so that they are able to utilize coping skills, techniques, and mechanisms they can use outside of counseling. My office enables my clients to experience an environment that is safe, tranquil and serene. Clients are able to learn more about themselves, their partners, and their families.

I believe that our most important periods of growth come out of our most painful moments and circumstances. I have chosen this profession because I believe in the power of working though pain to a better end. I consider it a privilege and an honor to participate in your journey to wellness. I work to create a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore, in-depth, the reasons for unwanted emotions or circumstances, allowing you to overcome your challenges and to be able to better cope. I am truly a generalist, trained to help with a wide range of concerns. However, I do have a few particular specialties. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, and disordered eating. I also specialize in couples therapy and in the treatment of children and adolescents. I am a certified Gottman couples therapist, and I use Play Therapy techniques when treating children. I am also trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems, Psychodynamic Treatment, and Trauma-Focused CBT. Please reach out to see if I might be the right therapist for you or your loved one.

My philosophy and approach to helping clients is to do a thorough assessment and develop a treatment plan that is characteristic of that client and guide clients through therapy to healing. Each client has a uniqueness about them and my work is finding it and helping that client realize it and live in it. Perception is the key to understanding. Awareness is the key to realization.

At Laurel Fay and Associates, my colleagues and I are committed to providing you with a safe, caring environment in which we can address your unique situation. By carefully listening, I work to get behind the everyday surface of a situation to the underlying meaning. My systemic approach means I look to the dynamics between people rather than solely focusing on the internal workings of one person. Even in individual work, this approach can be helpful and empowering. I often use humor to gently but skillfully pinpoint specific issues and highlight areas of growth.

Understanding the causes of anxiety, depression, and self-doubt by increasing self-awareness is the key to effectively navigating life's challenges. I provide a warm and collaborative interpersonal style focused on open communication and integrity while also challenging you to explore ways to live a more fulfilling life. I work with people of all age ranges but specialize in adults in their 20's and 30's experiencing difficulties with anxiety, depression, professional identity, relationship difficulties, and stress management. I also provide initial face-to-face consultation for no fee prior to beginning therapy. I use a psychodynamic approach focused on understanding how past experiences and relationships influence current difficulties and have been trained in a variety of other therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, and humanistic. I believe therapy needs be tailored to the unique needs of each person and think it is vital to do so in order to best address each client's difficulties. I do not see people as diagnoses but as unique individuals with a story to tell and different ways to deal with life's challenges. Making the first step towards starting therapy to live a more fulfilling life is often difficult and stressful. I try to decrease this stress by providing a clear process and a transparent discussion of any issues as they arise. While I am not in-network with any insurance providers, I am more than willing to assist you with the process of obtaining out of network reimbursement. Depending on your specific coverage, I would be happy to provide documentation needed to obtain reimbursement or submit claims on your behalf. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions and I wish you the best of luck in this process!!

Working with you, alongside you, and for YOU, to take care of the emotional wellbeing that defines YOU. Life can present some difficult challenges. With the right support, these can be an incredible opportunity to grow. I offer deep empathy and active listening skills. I meet you where you are, and assist you in developing strength based techniques that you can use in reaching your goals in a non judgmental environment. I am also offering group counseling and workshops online that will assist you in taking care of your mental health.