Cory Birch Psychotherapy, LPC

I took an interest in becoming a mental health professional in high school when I found myself supporting friends in their struggles. I have a diverse background in the areas of anxiety, autism, ADHD, depression, self-esteem, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and life transitions. I have worked in an agency setting for many years with varied demographics and diagnoses. I began my career working in a partial care setting with severe and persistent mental illnesses (including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder). I eventually became a full-time outpatient therapist, working with a wide array of clients. The COVID-19 pandemic transitioned the field to telehealth and the benefits of telemental health became apparent, as it offers therapy from the comfort of the client’s own home.

In addition to providing supportive therapy, I also use mindfulness meditation, homework assignments, roleplay, and other behavioral techniques during sessions. I let the client lead, but when I feel as though they may be avoiding something important, I gently guide them toward that important issue. I want you to get as much out of each session as you can. Some of my approaches include solution-focused therapy, CBT, and mindfulness. Clients may be assigned homework (specific tasks, journals, etc.) between sessions if it is something deemed necessary.

As a mental health provider, it is important to continue doing research and learning skills that benefit your clients. I am consistently finding courses to continue my education on various mental health and therapeutic topics. These courses can involve techniques, skills, and strategies as well as trends in the field. In addition to knowledge and education, collaborating with groups of other therapists is beneficial to the therapist as well as the client. This collaboration allows therapists to bounce ideas, techniques, strategies, and resources off one another.

The mental health field has been evolving for a long time. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a rapid widespread change and shift to telehealth work. The prospect of telehealth is exciting for many providers, myself included. Telehealth therapy allows the client to receive quality one-on-one therapy from the comfort of their own home at a time that is convenient for them. Psychotherapy is most effective when the client is at ease and comfortable. Where can someone be more comfortable than in their own home?