My Passion Is Helping Others
Being able to assist someone who is struggling or feeling lost comes naturally to me. I have always been empathetic toward others—it’s fulfilling for me to witness someone else thrive. As a born problem-solver, I’m overjoyed by the moments when this talent overlaps with my career and passion.
Although my function as a therapist will never be to solve your problems for you, the intuitive abilities I bring to my profession can still benefit you. One of the things I do best is listening intently and making connections that you might not see for yourself. By assessing your history and applying the practical knowledge I’ve learned and fine-tuned over the years, I can help you better understand why it is that you do the things you do.
Your Treatment Will Be Customized For You
I take an individualized approach to counseling. Before pursuing any form of treatment, it’s important that I first get to know you as an individual. I will never use a "cookie cutter" or "one-size-fits-all" approach to therapy. For treatment to be effective, it should be specifically tailored to your history and current circumstances. Only after I understand what your goals are and what you hope to get out of therapy can we determine what types of modalities will work best for you.
The feedback I’ve received from clients who have tried therapy before without much success was that simply talking to a therapist about their problems wasn’t very helpful. Without touching on the underlying reasons behind why these problems keep cropping up and not being taught any skills that could be applied to getting unwanted symptoms under control, therapy let them down.
As a skills-based therapist, I will equip you with strategies and techniques you can apply right away. Once we do some exploration in the initial sessions, I will offer you tangible coping skills—such as deep breathing exercises and mindfulness—to help you manage your symptoms.
Therapy Will Be Engaging And Interactive
My practice is a direct reflection of the passion I have for what I do. Here is how I will make sure you have a rewarding experience in therapy:
During our initial consultation, I will make sure you feel comfortable and know what to expect before the first session.
I will remain dedicated and engaged throughout our work together to ensure that you remain engaged as well.
By actively listening and responding nonjudgmentally, I will help you validate your experience while also encouraging you to go deeper—getting you out of your comfort zone is how self-discovery and transformation happen.
Your time is important to me, both in and out of sessions. I am easy to get in touch with and will get back to you quickly whenever you leave a message.
In sessions, I will offer evidence-based psychoeducation as well as teach you coping skills to help you process the challenges you’re dealing with. If something isn't working, we can shift gears and try something else. Additionally, I will provide you with homework you can work on in between sessions so that you never lose momentum.
My goal is for you to finish therapy equipped with hands-on tools you can use to deal with difficult emotions as they arise. Rather than needing to remain in long-term therapy, I want you to learn things about yourself that will have a lasting effect on how you approach your life.
I Incorporate CBT Into My Practice
I strongly believe in the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), both in my practice as well as personally. Because CBT focuses on our thoughts, it can be applied to most mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, codependency, and low self-esteem. It is also a helpful modality to use in couples therapy or for anyone who is dealing with grief.
Once I realized the effect CBT had on my overall outlook, it became something I wanted to teach everyone. Once you become cognizant of negative thinking patterns and challenge beliefs that are not true, it can help motivate you toward more positivity. With an improved frame of mind, you can make significant breakthroughs, boost your self-esteem, as well as expand your overall sense of well-being.
No matter what you struggle with, skills-based therapy can help you make positive transformations in your life.
A Little More About Me
Learning is so important to me. I am always eager to remain updated on the latest breakthroughs in my field as well as keep up on continuing education and seek additional certifications.
I am passionate about self-improvement, reading, and spending time with my family, friends, and dogs. To keep things on an even keel, I strive to maintain balance in my life. Carving out time for routine downtime where I can recharge and relax is a priority for me, as well as something that I also encourage my clients to do.
In addition to my private practice, I work with Octave Behavioral Health. At Octave, I am in-network with Aetna and the UMR plan for Mount Sinai Employees. If you have coverage under one of these plans, please visit findoctave.com to schedule an appointment.
Lisa Mann is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC-2) practicing in Western New York. After receiving a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts in Psychology from Hilbert College, Lisa went on to receive a Master’s Degree of Science in Education in Community Mental Health Counseling from St. Bonaventure University. She gained years of experience working in a variety of settings, including an inpatient mental health hospital, an outpatient non-profit addiction center, and a correctional-based setting working with a variety of demographics. Lisa has been in private practice since 2017. Having completed Levels 1 and 2 of Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Lisa’s continued education is currently focused on completing Level 3 and getting certified.
Since opening my private practice in 2017, I have linked with multiple Employee Assistance Program's in the local community. I am currently an EAP Affiliate Provider for LifeWorks EAP.
I'm excited to announce that I'm now working in partnership with the Western Problem Gambling Resource Center upon completion of their 60-Hour "Problem Gambling Treatment Specialist" curriculum and other requirements. I can now provide Specialized Gambling Treatment to individuals struggling with a gambling disorder or related issue. I'm also able to provide treatment to the family member or loved one of the person struggling with the disorder or issue.
If you feel that you or your loved one may benefit by linking with this organization, please click the link below.