Human beings are incredibly resilient, but we also possess a strong survival instinct that seeks to maintain a sense of safety and comfort, familiarity and balance.
This means that any changes taking place in our lives can generate feelings of stress, changes in our mood or even a decline in our functioning in life activities.
Dealing with an existing mental health condition or the effects of traumatic experiences can also contribute to feelings of being overwhelmed.
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Facing challenges is normal. What marks the difference between struggling and thriving is reaching out and finding better ways to manage life's challenges.
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Therapy is a step towards healing and self-love which provides the support and tools you need to manage life stressors in a more empowering and confident way.
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About me
My counseling approach is grounded in strengthening the client’s natural tendency towards healing, resiliency, and adaptation.
I draw from principles of Existential Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness - offering a space of support where clients can work to identify their needs, goals and desires with a focus on choice, freedom, responsibility and self-determination.
I strive to empower my clients to become their most authentic self, and tailor my work to each individual's needs.
Another important element of my work is looking at the person as a whole. Clients are encouraged to explore and set goals in other life areas beyond their mental and emotional health. I believe that strengthening our understanding of the relationship between life areas - physical, spiritual, emotional, professional, social - allows us a deeper sense of self-awareness and a more creative approach to growth and healing.
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My work as a mental health counselor has led me to work with people from many different backgrounds in a variety of settings.
In my private practice I primarily work with adults 18 years and older doing individual therapy.
I enjoy working with a wide range of needs and challenges, such as issues related to managing life transitions, acculturation difficulties, exploring gender identity and other identity related topics, sexual health, spirituality, relationship and interpersonal difficulties, women's empowerment, helping clients facing domestic violence, and exploring toxic masculinity.
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Every individual is a complex mixture of unique expressions, interests, values and desires - all while sharing an innate need to feel connected to the world and others, to seek safety and security.
This complex dance of expectations, responsibilities, needs and wants can make navigating life at times quite challenging.
I work in collaboration with my clients to provide them with the tools they need to manage challenges - helping them identify and implement more adaptive and healthy ways to resolve conflict and explore opportunities for growth.
Credentials
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
- State of Indiana
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Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling
- Indiana University
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Bachelors Degree in Psychology
- University of Houston
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Bachelors Degree in Art
- University of Houston
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CONTACT
To request a consultation
you may reach me by calling 812-671-3003 or email me at dferrera@mindfuldesigncounseling.org
Office Address:
814 S Walnut St. Bloomington, IN 47401
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Therapeutic Approach​
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Existential Therapy
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Solution-Focused Therapy
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Psychodynamic
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Mindfulness-Based
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Life Transitions
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Integrative Health Goals
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Trauma & PTSD
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Women's Empowerment
Topic Areas
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As a mental health counselor I work with clients facing a variety of challenges,
but these are some specific focus areas I address with clients in my practice:
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Depression​
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Anxiety
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Identity & GLBTQ+ Issues
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Sexuality & Intimacy Issues
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Relationship / Family Conflict
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