Teri Bistarkey, LCSW, I work with my clients to help them find practical solutions to problems, access available resources, and develop a self-care plan that incorporates all aspects of health and wellbeing—accepting a lifestyle with an emphasis on living a productive life within a personal framework of values and goals. I am happy to start where you are and help you get where you want to be.

My approach

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused and Person Centered

My focus

I typically work with adults of all ages with mood disorders. I have extensive experience with psychotic disorders working in community mental health and dually diagnosed clients.

My communication style

I like to create a safe environment. My tone is accepting and calm; however, I value humor when appropriate and can become animated when providing support and encouragement.

My journey to therapy

I came to Social Work as a second career, having spent the first seventeen years of my work life as a machinist. After graduating from apprentice school and working with CNC machine tools, it was time to go to college, a lifelong goal. Instead of picking engineering as expected, I was drawn to Social Work. I picked Social Work as opposed to psychology because I understand that while people live in their heads, they also live in a world that can be hard to navigate. A challenge for all of us, I like to help clients live their best lives.

My goals for you

I use motivational interviewing to help clients visualize where they want to be and how they want to live, including relevant aspects of their health and relationships. I suggest tentative goals and then help them formulate more specific goals.

My first session with you

In the first session, my goal is to establish rapport and hear about what brings someone to therapy and prior therapy experiences. I ask permission to gather assessment information, explain my approach, and gain agreement on basic goals. If the client feels comfortable engaging in therapy with me, we agree on a meeting schedule and proceed from there.