Hello, I'm Garrett Epperson, a 34-year-old Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Arizona and Montana. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), couples counseling, and trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR. With almost a decade of experience providing psychotherapy and over a decade working in mental health and substance abuse fields, I am skilled in addressing depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. I am dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate their mental health challenges, improve their relationships, and heal from past traumas. My approach is client-centered, empathetic, and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual or couple I work with.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In your first session with me, clients can expect a thoughtful and structured intake process. This initial meeting is dedicated to gathering comprehensive background information on either the individual or the couple. I focus on understanding your history and the specific circumstances that have led you to seek psychotherapy. This session is crucial for building a strong foundation of trust and rapport, which are essential for effective therapy. During this time, we will also begin to outline your initial treatment plan. This plan will detail your goals for therapy and outline the strategies we will use to achieve these objectives. The aim of this first session is not only to understand your past and present but also to set a clear direction for your future growth and healing in our subsequent sessions. This structured approach ensures that we start your therapeutic journey with a clear, mutual understanding of your aspirations and how we can collaboratively work towards achieving them.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a provider, my greatest strengths lie in my capacity for empathy, honesty, and transparency, which establish a safe, trusting environment where clients feel valued and understood. My empathetic nature enables genuine connections, acknowledging clients’ feelings and experiences without judgment. Additionally, I excel in building effective therapeutic relationships across a diverse range of demographics, showcasing my adaptability and cultural competence to ensure each client feels respected and supported, irrespective of their background. My analytical skills are crucial in deciphering complex emotional and behavioral patterns, allowing for the development of targeted treatment strategies, while I also prioritize confidentiality, ensuring that all client interactions are handled with the utmost discretion and integrity. Communication is another of my key strengths, both in conveying empathy and in explaining psychological concepts in accessible terms, aiding clients in understanding their treatment journey and fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship. I am committed to continual learning, staying abreast of the latest research and advancements in psychotherapy to enhance my practice. My problem-solving skills and focus on achieving tangible outcomes meet the needs of goal-oriented clients, providing them with measurable improvements and satisfaction. Patience and perseverance underscore my dedication to clients’ long-term success, supporting them through challenging periods without losing sight of their overall goals. What sets me apart in the field of psychotherapy is my perspective as a 34-year-old male, which is relatively uncommon in a profession predominantly comprised of older females. This unique positioning allows me to bring a fresh, dynamic approach to therapy, resonating especially well with younger male clients and those who might seek a therapist who can offer a different viewpoint. My age and gender enable me to connect and empathize with a demographic that is often underrepresented in therapeutic settings, providing a comfortable space for clients who may find these attributes particularly relatable or reassuring. This distinctiveness is complemented by my rigorous training and diverse experience in mental health and substance abuse fields, which equip me to address a broad range of issues with innovative and effective therapeutic techniques. By blending my unique personal attributes with professional expertise, I offer a dis