Our Approach

Empowerment Approach

We believe in an “Empowerment Approach” and that even though you may not realize it you have many strengths and skills within you that we build upon and use in reaching your goals. We want you to know that it’s okay, to not be okay. You deserve it and owe it to yourself to gain back control of your life and live to your fullest potential.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT is type of model that combines cognitive therapy with behavior therapy by identifying faulty or distorted patterns of thinking, emotional responses, or behaviors responses. The goal is to substitute them with more positive patterns of thinking, emotional responses, and behaviors.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

TF-CBT is an evidence-based treatment for those impacted by trauma. It is a components-based treatment model that incorporates trauma-sensitive interventions with cognitive behavioral, family, and humanistic principles and techniques. TF-CBT has proved successful with those who have significant emotional problems (e.g., symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, fear, anxiety, or depression) related to traumatic life events. It can be used with those who have experienced a single trauma or multiple traumas in their lives.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

DBT is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy. Dialectical behavioral therapy tries to identify and change negative thinking patterns and pushes for positive behavioral changes. It helps to teach you the skills to cope with and change unhealthy behaviors. You work to bring together 'acceptance and change' in your life.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing - EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment that was originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories (Shapiro, 1989a, 1989b). Shapiro’s (2001) Adaptive Information Processing model posits that EMDR therapy facilitates the accessing and processing of traumatic memories and other adverse life experience to bring these to an adaptive resolution. After successful treatment with EMDR therapy, affective distress is relieved, negative beliefs are reformulated, and physiological arousal is reduced. During EMDR therapy the client attends to emotionally disturbing material in brief sequential doses while simultaneously focusing on an external stimulus. Therapist directed lateral eye movements are the most commonly used external stimulus but a variety of other stimuli including hand-tapping and audio stimulation are often used (Shapiro, 1991).

Areas of Expertise

Depression
Anxiety
Trauma
PTSD
Grief
Life Changes

Insomnia/sleep concerns
Self Esteem Concerns
Life and Adjustment Transitions
Relationship stress
Sports Performance
Pregnancy, Pre/Postpartum concerns

Career and School Stress
Test Anxiety
Chronic Pain
Sexual Abuse
Divorce
Online Therapy
EMDR

Holly Essler, LCSW's Specialized Training

I primarily utilize CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) as my treatment modality. I do have an eclectic approach and use mindfulness techniques and relaxation techniques.

I am certified in EMDR and TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), which is an evidence-based treatment modality for those who suffer from trauma, PTSD, and a broad array of emotional and behavioral difficulties.

I have over 10 + years of experience in the mental health field.I have worked as an outpatient therapist, graduate assistant, treatment foster care case manager, and a medical social worker.

My experience working in many different practice settings has given me the opportunity to help people with many diverse backgrounds overcome obstacles in their life.

I love helping others and found my work as a therapist was truly my calling in life. I followed my passion of helping others and opened Empowering You Therapy LLC in 2018.

My Approach

Holly Specializations