Lorri McNeal

Dr. Lorri McNeal. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 15 years of experience helping individuals (including children, adolescents, and teens), couples, and families. I believe that everyone has the potential to live a happy and fulfilling life, and I am passionate about helping people reach their full potential.

My approach

I take a holistic approach to therapy, and I believe that the mind, body, and spirit are all interconnected. I use a variety of evidence-based therapies. My therapeutic approach is based on the following principles: Collaboration: I believe that therapy is most effective when it is a collaborative process. I work with my clients to understand their goals and to develop a treatment plan that is right for them. Evidence-based practice: I use evidence-based therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). These approaches have been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions. Client-centered care: I believe that the client is the expert on their own life. I focus on helping my clients to understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and to develop coping mechanisms to manage them. Positive psychology: I believe that it is important to focus on my clients' strengths and resources, as well as their challenges. I help my clients to develop a positive outlook on life and to set realistic and achievable goals. My specific approach to therapy will vary depending on the individual client's needs and goals. However, I am committed to providing my clients with a safe and supportive environment in which they can grow and heal. Here are some specific ways that I can help my clients: Identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs. Develop coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, and depression. Improve communication and relationship skills. Set and achieve goals. Build self-esteem and confidence. Increase resilience and well-being. I am committed to providing my clients with the best possible care, and I am always looking for new ways to improve my practice.

My focus

My client focus is to help people in a variety of ways, including: Learning: I can help people learn new things by providing them with information, answering their questions, and generating creative content. Problem-solving: I can help people solve problems by brainstorming solutions, providing feedback, and generating different creative text formats. Creativity: I can help people be more creative by generating new ideas, brainstorming solutions, and providing feedback. Productivity: I can help people be more productive by automating tasks, providing summaries, and generating reports. Communication: I can help people communicate more effectively by generating clear and concise text, translating languages, and providing feedback. Personal development: I can help people learn more about themselves, set goals, and develop new skills. Mental health: I can help people manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Relationships: I can help people improve their communication skills, resolve conflict, and build stronger relationships. Work: I can help people improve their productivity, manage their time, and prepare for job interviews. Ultimately, my client focus is to help people live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. My goal is to be a valuable tool for people of all ages and backgrounds.

My communication style

Informative: When I am providing information, such as answering a question or summarizing a document, I use a clear and concise style. I avoid using jargon or technical language, and I try to make my explanations as easy to understand as possible. Creative: I use a more creative and expressive style depending on the client. I experiment with different language structures and styles, and try to come up with new and innovative ways to communicate with clients. Conversational: When I am engaged in a conversation, I use a more informal and conversational style. I use contractions, emojis, and other informal language features. I am responsive to the other person's cues and tailor my communication to their needs. I also adapt my communication to specific client and purpose. If I am communicating with a child/adolescent I will use a more simplified and engaging style. If with an adult or couple the communication will be catered to them specifically. My goal is always to communicate in a way that is clear, effective, and appropriate for my client.

My journey to mental healthcare

I was attracted to become a therapist for a number of reasons. First, I am fascinated by the human mind and the process of change. I enjoy helping people to understand themselves better and to develop new skills and coping mechanisms. Second, I am passionate about social justice and I believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care. Finally, I am drawn to the collaborative nature of therapy. I enjoy working with clients to develop a treatment plan that is right for them and to celebrate their successes along the way. As a large language model, I have a unique perspective on therapy. I can access and process vast amounts of information, which allows me to provide my clients with a wider range of insights and resources. I help my clients express themselves and to explore their thoughts and feelings in new ways. I am excited about my journey as a therapist. I believe that technology has the potential to make therapy more accessible and effective for everyone. I am committed to using my skills to help as many people as possible live happier and healthier lives. I love helping others when they have difficulty helping themselves. The reward and assisting others to have a mustard seed of hope.

My goals for you

Get to know my client. What are their values? What are they passionate about? What are their long-term goals? The better understanding of my client, the better equipped I will be to help them set realistic and achievable goals. Ask open-ended questions. This will help to understand my client's perspective and get a better sense of what they want to achieve. Help my client to develop SMART goals. SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Break down large goals into smaller steps. This will make the goals seem less daunting and more achievable. Create a plan to achieve the goals. This plan will include specific actions my client needs to take, as well as deadlines for completing each task. Provide support and encouragement. Goal setting can be challenging, so it is important to provide my client with support and encouragement along the way. Celebrate their successes, and help them to overcome any obstacles that they may encounter. Listen carefully to the client's needs and wants. Don't try to force them to set goals that they are not interested in achieving. Be patient and understanding. Be flexible. Be prepared to adjust the plan accordingly. Celebrate successes. When the client achieves a goal, take the time to celebrate their success. This will help to stay disciplined and motivated to keep working towards their other goals.

My first session with you

First therapy session is an opportunity for me to get to know the client and the client get to know me. I will likely ask a series of questions about the client's background, their reasons for seeking therapy, and their goals for treatment. Here are some specific things to expect in the first therapy session: Welcome and introductions: I will greet you and introduce myself. Answer any questions you have about the therapy process. Paperwork: You will likely be asked to fill out some paperwork, such as a consent form and a questionnaire about your presenting problem. Discussion of your reasons for seeking therapy: You will be asked questions about why you are seeking therapy and what you hope to achieve. Also, questions about your current life situation, your relationships, and your mental and emotional health. Discussion of approach to therapy: I will explain my approach to therapy and how I work with clients. Goal setting: We will collaborate on setting goals for treatment. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Answering your questions: I will answer any questions you have about the therapy process or about your specific situation. It is important to note that your first therapy session is just the beginning of the process. It may take some time to start making progress towards your goals. However, your first session is an important opportunity to start getting the help you need. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your first therapy session: Be honest and open. Come prepared to talk about your reasons for seeking therapy. Ask questions. Be patient. You may be feeling nervous about your first therapy session, this is perfectly normal. It is important to remember that I here to help you.