Teri Dahley
I am Teri, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner (LSATP) with extensive experience in behavioral health, having worked in the field since 2018. My dedication lies in supporting individuals who are navigating mental health challenges and substance use disorders. I believe in the power of education, helping my clients understand how their behaviors and past experiences shape their present circumstances and future potential. I am now accepting clients in the State of Florida and Tennessee. My approach to therapy is rooted in empowerment. I work collaboratively with my clients to uncover the how, when, what, and why of their struggles, so they can better understand the underlying causes of their issues. By addressing these root causes, I believe individuals can begin to break the cycle of unhealthy behaviors and make meaningful changes in their lives.
I am Teri, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner (LSATP) with extensive experience in behavioral health, having worked in the field since 2018.
If you are struggling with emotional or behavioral challenges, I am here to help you gain clarity, learn new coping strategies, and create a path toward lasting change. Together, we can work toward understanding and healing so you can live a more fulfilling life.
First session
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, then dive into the specific challenges you're facing. This will help me create a plan tailored around your needs and assist us to work through in follow-up sessions.
Strengths
One of the greatest strengths I bring to my sessions is my ability to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients can feel comfortable being honest and vulnerable. I understand that opening up about personal experiences can be difficult, and I work to build trust at a pace that feels comfortable for each individual. I also bring empathy, active listening, and genuine curiosity to my work. Rather than simply focusing on the symptoms a client is experiencing, I want to understand the person as a whole. I explore the how, when, what, and why behind thoughts, emotions, and behaviors so we can identify patterns and better understand what may be contributing to current challenges. Education is another important strength I bring to therapy. I believe that understanding ourselves can be empowering. I help clients connect their past experiences, behaviors, thoughts, and emotions so they can make informed choices and develop healthier ways of responding. My experience working with both mental health and substance use concerns allows me to look at challenges from a comprehensive perspective, particularly when clients are experiencing co-occurring concerns. I also bring a collaborative and practical approach to therapy. My goal is not to tell clients what they should do, but to work alongside them as they develop coping skills, establish healthy boundaries, build confidence, and make meaningful changes. Most importantly, I bring authenticity and a belief in each client's ability to grow. I want clients to leave sessions with greater clarity, practical strategies they can use, and a stronger sense of hope about their ability to create the life they want I take a holistic approach to treatment, focusing not just on the symptoms but on the person as a whole. I aim to guide individuals through their healing process, providing education, support, and practical techniques that empower them to move forward in their journey toward better mental health and lasting recovery.
Ideal clients
I work with clients who are struggling with mental health or addiction along with struggles to resolve everyday life challenges. In our initial sessions, we will explore the issues you're facing and collaborate on creating a tailored plan to address them in a way that helps you regain control and move forward. Most of my clients experience a gradual reduction in symptoms within the first month, with sustained improvement continuing as we work together. My goal is to help you find relief and build lasting coping strategies for a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT can help individuals recognize unhealthy or unhelpful patterns of thinking and learn to replace them with more balanced and constructive ways of thinking. In therapy, I work collaboratively with clients to identify negative thought patterns, explore how those thoughts affect emotions and behaviors, and develop healthier ways of responding to challenging situations. We also focus on practical coping strategies that clients can use outside of sessions. My goal is to help clients gain greater awareness of how their thinking patterns influence the way they feel and behave. As clients learn to challenge unhelpful thoughts and practice healthier responses, they can develop increased confidence, improve emotional well-being, and make meaningful changes in their daily lives.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I use mindfulness-based therapy to help clients become more connected to their thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and inner experiences. Mindfulness encourages individuals to slow down, become more present, and develop greater awareness without judging themselves for what they are experiencing. In therapy, I teach practical mindfulness and self-soothing techniques that can help clients manage difficult emotions, reduce stress, and respond to challenges in healthier ways. These skills can be especially beneficial for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or emotional overwhelm. My goal is to help clients develop a greater sense of calm and self-awareness while learning that they can experience difficult thoughts and emotions without allowing those experiences to control their actions. Through mindfulness, clients can build healthier coping skills and develop a stronger connection with themselves.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I use person-centered therapy to create a supportive, accepting, and nonjudgmental environment where clients can focus on their individual experiences, needs, and goals. I believe each person has the ability to develop greater self-understanding and make meaningful changes when they have the right support. During sessions, I listen without judgment and work collaboratively with clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, relationships, and life experiences. Rather than telling clients what they should do, I help them discover their own strengths, values, and solutions. This approach allows clients to better understand themselves, recognize patterns that may be affecting their lives, and develop greater confidence in their ability to make healthy choices. My goal is to provide a safe space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their therapeutic journey.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use mindfulness-based therapy to help clients become more aware of themselves, their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations while learning to stay present in the moment. This approach encourages clients to focus on the here and now rather than becoming overwhelmed by past experiences or future concerns. During sessions, I help clients develop mindfulness skills that allow them to slow down, recognize what they are experiencing, and process their thoughts and emotions with greater awareness and less judgment. These techniques can help clients better understand their reactions and make more intentional choices in how they respond to challenging situations. My goal is to help clients develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and self-compassion while learning healthy ways to remain grounded and present in their everyday lives.
Location
Virtual sessions