Tyler Thursby

I consider myself a person-centered counselor and shape my practice around cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) modalities. Since my introduction to professional counseling, I have primarily been influenced by the approach originally pioneered by Carl Rogers. Specifically, I believe all clients are inherently good; oftentimes, clients just need a safe and welcoming environment to reach their full potential. As a person-centered counselor, I feel one of my greatest abilities is to remain genuine with clients of all backgrounds. This approach helps me establish a strong rapport with my clients and I consider it a personal honor to provide the personal empowerment and validation they so often desire.

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I naturally gravitated toward CBT because I consider myself a logical person. In my own life, I often employ logical reasoning to solve complex problems and regulate my emotions. Specifically, the practice of reframing in CBT is something I find immeasurably useful in counseling. By identifying our negative thoughts, we have the ability to influence them to better serve our overall well-being. I also utilize SMART goals within my CBT practice. SMART goals are a wonderful way to help clients chart their progress and demonstrate what they’re capable of over the course of treatment.

 

My internship through Gilbert Counselors introduced me to DBT. In my experience, DBT provides an essential foundation for clients starting treatment by emphasizing concepts like mindfulness – or the practice of being intentional and self-aware about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the present moment. Ultimately, I feel my utilization of DBT naturally complimented my preference for CBT and utilizes similar concepts, such as identifying irrational thought patterns and directly challenging them with objective evidence.