Crystal Forbes, Licensed Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor

I am a mental health counselor specializing in person-centered and integrated approaches, offering online therapy via telehealth webcam video sessions. My approach puts you at the center of therapy. You set the pace. I treat you with respect, acceptance, non-judgment and empathy. I take an integrated approach, drawing from various therapeutic theories, because one approach does not fit all. This helps establish a therapeutic relationship that supports you in reaching your treatment goals. I have primarily worked with clients seeking anxiety therapy, trauma therapy (including therapy for posttraumatic stress (PTSD)), grief therapy and support for depression, addictions, stress management and bipolar challenges. My clinical counseling experience spans clients of all ages and backgrounds in clinical mental health hospitals, schools, career counseling programs, community care and mental health clinics and crisis counseling and suicide prevention services. As part of licensing requirements and my commitment to effective care, I pursue ongoing continuing education in ethics, new research, diverse treatment modalities and multicultural and trauma-informed care. Since March 2020, I have been offering online therapy via telehealth webcam video sessions, which has improved access and flexibility for my clients. With time and patience, telehealth counseling can feel similar to meeting face to face. Healing is not a linear process; it can move forward, backward, sideways, or up and down. I will support and guide you along your path. You lead the journey. You will be the one to do the work. Your willingness, motivation and action are vital to healing. My approach may not be a good fit for everyone. Here’s what I don’t do as a counselor: I won’t tell you what you should or shouldn’t do (I will offer different perspectives). I don’t assign homework that must be completed before the next session (I encourage you to actively use the interventions we discuss in sessions). I don’t set a fixed plan for each session (you decide what is discussed and worked on). If you need those things, I may not be a good fit and that’s okay. It’s important that counseling works and fits you. I expect you to come to sessions prepared with topics you want to discuss, explore, or process.