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Hello. I'm CJ Drake. I'm a husband, father, dog lover, and clinical psychologist. I have more than 30 years of experience working with individuals of diverse backgrounds, strengths, traumas, challenges, and treatment needs. I believe strongly in evidence-based practice (i.e. doing what has been shown to be most effective), but that every therapeutic tool must be modified to fit into a collaborative and individualized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. It's not effective if it doesn't work for you.
My approach
My commitment to you is to offer an experience of compassion and acceptance where open and honest dialogue become possible. A trusting therapeutic relationship is the key to opening up new opportunities for healing, self-discovery, skill-building, and enduring change. I draw heavily from the well-established approaches of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and client-centered processing. This means treating the whole person.
My focus
I provide 1-hour telehealth psychotherapy sessions for individual adult clients. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, adult ADHD, trauma histories, general coping difficulties, and desired self-improvement.
My communication style
Empathy, acceptance, and unconditional positive regard are the critical components of any effective and productive therapeutic process. It's always my goal to communicate these commitments with sincerity and consistent purpose.
My journey to mental healthcare
I am so fortunate to have discovered so early in my adult life a fascination with human psychology and the behavioral sciences. The most fulfilling part of this all-consuming interest is that I've been able to put it to use in a career dedicated to helping others. While working in the field of behavioral healthcare, I was able to complete my bachelor's and master's degrees in Psychology. Subsequently, I completed a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology with a clinical emphasis in Neuroscience. Over the course of my career, I have worked in inpatient and outpatient settings treating patients with both psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment needs.
My goals for you
I believe goal setting in psychotherapy must always be an open, active, and collaborative process. As a qualified, ethical, and experienced clinician, I bring expertise in evidence-based practice and a strong belief in each person's innate healing and growth potential. Each of my clients brings the expertise of their own dreams, values, and unique lived experience. The setting and attainment of meaningful therapeutic goals require the honest presence and participation of both experts.
My first session with you
What you can expect during an initial session with me is an experience of my sincere interest in and commitment to you feeling truly listened to and heard, as well as, a building comfort with the beginnings of a meaningful therapeutic relationship. Ultimately, I would like to instill in you a sense of hope and positive expectancy about the therapeutic journey ahead.
