Meet Lisa Forger, LPC-Associate! Lisa works with teens, children, and toddlers, and families. We brought her on to our team for her enthusiasm, therapeutic skills, warmth, and dedication. If you’re considering working with Lisa, you can get to know her a little bit bit better today!
Why did you get into the field of counseling?
My interest in psychology and therapy was sparked during my 12th grade year of high school when I took my first psychology class. I remember having an underlying feeling that this was the field I was meant to devote my career to. The amazing thing about counseling is that there is always something new to learn; new research is constantly being conducted, and we are continuing to learn more about the best ways to facilitate others bettering their lives. As I continued to learn more about the theory of psychology and practice of counseling, I decided that I could make the most impact in a career where I was directly serving others. After graduating college with a psychology BA, I enrolled at University of Houston – Clear Lake under the Clinical Psychology program, and the rest is history! Throughout my career thus far, I’ve been able to practice counseling in a campus clinic, children’s hospital, substance abuse research clinic, and high school. I’ve carried skills I’ve learned in each of these unique settings into my work at Houston Center for Valued Living, and I am so excited to continue growing and refining my craft as a counselor.
What do you love best about your job?
In the field of counseling, no day is ever the same – and I love that! I enjoy working with my clients and helping them find solutions to challenges in their lives. No two individuals are the same, so every client brings a different background, culture, and context that has brought them to my office. Being able to formulate individualized treatment plans for a diverse range of clients is challenging, but exciting and enjoyable. As I said before, my learning as a counselor never stops; just as I am helping my clients, they help me to grow as a clinician. Whether a client makes a major breakthrough or mild progress, I feel just as rewarded as the person I’m working with.
What treatment modalities do you use in session?
I utilize two major treatment modalities – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Behavioral Parent Training. For older adolescents and adults, cognitive behavioral therapy can be a very effective tool to recognize the relation between our thoughts, feelings, and behavior. This treatment modality is especially helpful in identifying and reframing unhelpful or inaccurate thoughts and changing behavioral outcomes. Children and parents can benefit greatly from Behavioral Parent Training, a structured treatment process that essentially teaches parents to be their children’s own therapists. This modality is great for kids with behavioral challenges or parents who are feeling “stuck” with their kids.
What do you want clients to know before beginning therapy?
It is completely normal to feel uncomfortable or have doubts when starting therapy – you’re putting yourself in a vulnerable position, and it can feel strange telling personal details of your life to someone you barely know. As a counselor, I understand this uneasiness, and I will work with you to help you feel as comfortable as possible. There’s a widespread term in the psychology field called therapeutic alliance – like the name suggests, I am here to form a professional partnership with you and be your advocate for the life challenges you may be going through. Making the decision to meet with a therapist is taking a huge first step in helping yourself, and it is an accomplishment to be proud of in itself.
What’s something you like to do in your spare time?
I am a fitness fanatic, so when I’m not fulfilling my roles as a counselor, I am teaching fitness classes! I am a cycling and sculpt instructor at a few gyms in the Houston area, and I love the stress relief that a good workout gives me.
If you’re interested in working with Lisa, you can contact her lisa@hcfvl.com or call 713-331-5538 ext 6.
As a Houston based counseling clinic, our caring therapists also offer therapy for
- anxiety disorders and anxiety treatment
- depression treatment
- obsessive compulsive disorder
- maternal mental health
- counseling for children
- therapy for teens
- insomnia
We also offer tips for improving your overall mental health on our blog.
Send an email to: info@hcfvl.com or call 713-331-5538 to learn more about how Houston Center for Valued Living can help you take the next step toward creating your best life.