Travis Manrique

Hello! Many people often ask me: "What is therapy and how does it work!?" Well the answer may not be surprising: Therapy much like the human condition is quite complex and complicated! However, in my 15 years of experience in the mental health field I have seen one continued constant. That is many individuals I have met across cultures tend to have an innate tendency to think in unhelpful ways and engage in acts of self-defeat, even though they are often trying hard not to! Common self-defeating behaviors that I help many people with include: avoidance/decision conflicts, isolation, procrastination, passive and/or aggressive communication, substance, sex, gambling, and technology/video game addiction. Self-defeating behaviors like these (and others) are often closely linked to feelings called "unhealthy negative emotions". These are commonly: depression, anxiety, anger, guilt, shame, hurt, envy, and jealousy. To help treat these behaviors and emotions, I often utilize an active-directive two step therapy approach utilizing concepts grounded in Rational Emotive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Through this process clients gain greater insight into the connection between their self-defeating behaviors, unhealthy (irrational) thinking, and unhealthy negative emotions. This insight provides a chance to change to healthier alternatives by modifying their own mindset/thinking. Although these changes may not occur over night I have seen many clients report a change in their own outlook about themselves, others, and the larger world around them. In turn, many clients report a reduction and/or modification of their initial reported symptoms/behaviors. Make no mistake though, change such as this can be very hard for most people and it is also rarely a straight path! Part of what makes us human is that we are all born imperfect and prone to making mistakes. Within the mental health space this fallibility can often lead us to frequently think in faulty ways that puts our happiness and cherished values at risk. Don't fret though! Instead of getting down on yourself about your past/current mistakes decide to use that energy instead to reach out to a professional for assistance. If we are not a personal fit for you I will do my best to point you in the right direction!