WESTFALL COUNSELING

Specialties

My Approach

I specialize in working with determined, results-oriented individuals providing solution-focused services addressing anger, anxiety, depression, perfectionism and people, relationship issues, and stress and burnout. My therapy style is action oriented. We partner together to solve your problem, but you are in control of the changes you want to make.

I use Rational Living Therapy (RLT) which is an instructive and motivational, cognitive behavioral approach to psychotherapy. It's based on the work of Dr. Aldo Pucci and emphasizes rational self-counseling skills and learning how to get better not just feel better. I believe that focusing on your unique experiences and symptoms, rather than a diagnostic label will lead to more effective outcomes.

I focus on earning your trust. You can always assume that when we work together, I am working to learn the things that are important to you and what you value, because I believe you won’t care what I know, unless you know that I understand you. The best therapeutic outcomes are derived from a positive and collaborative relationship.

I use evidence-based practices. This means that research confirms the treatment approaches I use are effective. Together I combine best practices with your unique experiences and objectives to create a treatment plan individualized to you. My experience and training aligned with your desired outcomes and determination create the pathway to achieving your goals.

Harnessing Anger for Positive Change

Anger

Anger has a purpose, but when left uncontrolled, it can be physically, emotionally, and relationally costly. In therapy, we can help you reduce your level of anger, turn anger into productive behavior and develop effective coping strategies to control unhealthy responses. Learning such skills as assertiveness in place of aggression, problem-solving, empathy, conflict resolution and forgiveness allows you to feel the emotion without it being destructive to you or those around you. 

A black and white drawing of a chain on a white background.

Stress and burnout can affect many areas of our life. The desire to be our best and perform at a high level can eventually take a toll on us. Stress can appear as physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue or high blood pressure. Emotional symptoms like cynicism, decreased satisfaction or lack of motivation may also be present. These physical and emotional symptoms increase behaviors such as procrastination, substance use, or decreased participation in things you once enjoyed. I partner with you to remove roadblocks that are keeping you from creating a life that is professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.

Empowering Recovery Through Overcoming Stress and Burnout

Stress & Burnout

A black and white drawing of a person being burnout on a white background.

Overcoming Anxiety and Taking Control of Your Life

Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. It can be a normal reaction to stress. It can help you cope or give you a boost of energy or focus. But for people with high levels of anxiety, fear is not temporary and can be overwhelming.  In therapy, we teach you to identify and replace unhealthy thought patterns with rational messaging and effective tools that stop the cycle of irrational thought.

A black and white drawing of a brain on a white background.
A hand is reaching out to help a man kneeling down.

Empowering Your Journey Through Depression

Depression

Depression may feel like deep, unexplained sadness, irritability, or hopelessness. Depression can lead to tiredness and loss of concentration.  It can also produce aches, pains, headaches or stomach problems. Without a doubt, it interferes with your life and affects the way you see yourself and others. In therapy, we help you recognize negative thought patterns and behaviors. We examine those thoughts and determine how rational they are, and we replace them with healthier, more accurate thought patterns.

Navigating Relationship Challenges Together

Relationship Issues

Relationship struggles have the potential to make life very challenging.  Having a network of supportive relationships can provide encouragement, practical help, and a sense of security. Whether it's family, friends, or a romantic partner, these connections play a vital role in navigating life's ups and downs, contributing to a healthier and more resilient individual. We can help you navigate challenging relationships and become a positive contributor in the most difficult of circumstances.

A black and white drawing of a heart on a white background.

Perfectionism and People Pleasing are self-limiting behaviors that can often be linked together. At some level, we feel we are not enough, so we look for validation from others or set unrealistic standards for ourselves. People pleasing may cause us to find purpose in always helping others. Perfectionism may cause us to be highly self-critical and strive for flawlessness. Together we develop tools to identify, respond to, and replace our limiting beliefs with empowering truths.

Empowering Your Path Beyond Perfectionism and People Pleasing

Perfectionism & People Pleasing

Incorporating your Faith in Christian Counseling

Christian Counseling

Christian counseling applies clinical methods while also emphasizing spiritual resources, such as scripture and biblical teachings, to help clients deal with life's challenges. Cognitive Behavioral, Strength-based, and Solution-focused therapies combined with Christian principals such as prayer, forgiveness, grace, and reliance on God help clients gain psychological insight and deepen their spiritual understanding and relationship with God.