Tera DeLong

Have you ever wondered why certain situations trigger such strong emotions, why you find yourself repeating familiar patterns, or why it can be difficult to move forward despite your best efforts? Sometimes, past experiences continue to shape how we feel, how we relate to others, and how we see ourselves. You may be experiencing anxiety, relationship challenges, low self-worth, or feeling stuck during a difficult season of life. Whatever brings you to therapy, you deserve a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported.

I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you recognize unhelpful thought patterns, challenge beliefs that may be keeping you stuck, and develop healthier ways of thinking and responding. Internal Family Systems (IFS) to heal and release trauma, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method to help individuals and couples strengthen emotional connection, improve communication, and navigate conflict more effectively. For clients who desire it, I welcome the integration of Christian faith into therapy, honoring your beliefs and values as we explore your goals and what healing means to you.

My goal is to partner with you as you move toward greater emotional well-being, stronger relationships, and a more compassionate relationship with yourself. You do not have to have everything figured out to begin. There is hope for healing, growth, and meaningful change, regardless of what you have experienced in the past.

My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed. Together, we will explore how past experiences may be affecting your present, identify the parts of you that feel overwhelmed or emotionally triggered, and develop a deeper understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and needs. Using parts work informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS), we can work toward healing painful experiences, responding to yourself with greater compassion, and creating healthier patterns in your life and relationships.

Starting therapy can feel both hopeful and a little overwhelming, especially when you are sharing your story with someone new. My goal is to help you feel comfortable, welcomed, and understood from the beginning.

During our first session, we will spend time getting to know you, exploring what has brought you to therapy, and discussing the concerns or challenges you would like to address. We will talk about your personal history, current experiences, and hopes for therapy at a pace that feels comfortable for you. You do not need to have everything figured out or know exactly where to begin.

Together, we will begin identifying your goals and discussing how we can work collaboratively to help you move toward greater emotional well-being, healthier relationships, and a stronger sense of self. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and share what you need from therapy.

You are the expert on your own life, and my role is to walk alongside you with compassion, curiosity, and support. Therapy is a process, and we will take it one step at a time. You do not have to navigate life's challenges alone.