My Approach to Helping
Hi, I'm Cristal and I have over 20 years of experience working with adults, adolescents, and families experiencing a vast range of issues. I recently relocated back to the States after nine years of living and working overseas providing mental health services to the American military families.
I provide laser focused therapy to heal your initial wounding trauma, identify and capitalize upon your strengths, and customize strategies to reach therapy goals - arriving in record time! Sounds simple, right? It is simple, but not necessarily easy. If you are ready to take the plunge and do the work, I can help you make long-term change. That is what I am here to do . . . provide you with simple strategies to navigate a complex world so that you can live your best life.
I believe in providing and teaching practical and concrete tools so that you can begin implementing change immediately. I utilize a range of effective, and often evidenced-based, treatment modalities that I customize for each client. The great thing about therapy is that the skills and strategies you acquire will become part of your toolbox to utilize throughout your life.
In addition to my LCSW, I am Level 2 Certified in EMDR, which is used to treat trauma, anxiety disorders, and improves performance in a variety of life situations and can reduce fear of failure, boost confidence, and improve life transitions. I am also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I continue to attend trainings and am a voracious reader of all things mental health and self-help related, so that my skills and expertise continue to grow, stay fresh, and enhance refinement.
I will provide you with a no-nonsense and practical approach so that we make the most efficient use of your time during our sessions. After therapy is completed, you will feel empowered and motivated to continue making positive changes throughout your life.
More Info About My Practice
As a supplement to my therapy work, I am certified in the administration of the NEO-PI-3 personality profile assessment - considered the gold standard in personality tests. This provides my clients and myself a wealth of knowledge that allows us to successfully achieve treatment goals in record time. This is also a powerful tool with leaders and businesses for hiring purposes and team building. Read more about in my blog at https:www.cristalcook.compostneo-pi-3-personality-assessment-what-why-who-and-how
In addition to psychotherapy, I am an author and speaker and provide a variety workshops. I am currently offering a six week course on Goal Setting & Goal Getting.
I provide free goodies as well, join me for my monthly 45 minute workshops on a variety of self-help topics. To keep up to date on the latest offerings, join my newsletter and visit my website.
I have a blog on my website filled with useful self-help and wellness information. To learn more, visit https://www.cristalcook.com/blog
I have recently written a children's book series that utilize playful storying telling to teach Social Emotional Learning to Elementary School aged children. I provide lessons and workshops to schools and libraries utilizing my books to teach these valuable life long lessons.
Importance of the Client-Therapist Alliance
There is research supporting that the greatest indicator of client improvement is the client-therapist alliance. This means that it is important for you to have a positive and trusting relationship with your therapist. If you find that you don't click with a particular provider, don't be shy about shopping around. You need to be comfortable with your therapist. I utilize Scott Miller's Outcome Rating Scale (ORS) and Session Rating Scale (SRS) to enable us to establish a baseline and track your improvement as well as ensuring that the sessions are meeting your needs and expectations. It's all about providing and receiving helpful feedback to ensure you get the most out of your therapeutic experience.
