Meet Rickell Ballentine, MMFT, LMFT
Hey Y’all, I’m Rickell!
Welcome! I am genuinely glad you are here. Though you may be wishing we were meeting under different circumstances. That is okay. The fact that you are reading this proves that you are already working towards becoming a better version of yourself and that is what I like to see.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples who are ready to do the work. I enjoy helping those who may be feeling overwhelmed or rundown with life. Big shifts and life transitions can get the best of us sometimes and we may not always feel like ourselves. My job is to show you that you may already have the tools you need to help you grow, you may just need help wielding them. And if you are missing some tools, that’s okay too. I can help provide those. For the couples that come and see me, those tools can look like communication skills, navigating differing parenting styles, or overcoming mismatched desire.
Working with me looks like being provided a space to feel heard and validated, but challenged. A space to let all the inner thoughts out and make better sense of them. A space with a non-biased, third party translator to help you better understand, and be understood by, your partner.
I am passionate about this work because us humans are inherently social beings, meaning relationships are the foundation of our livelihood. If we are so bogged down by responsibilities that it is affecting our relationships, then I understand why it may feel like you are doing life alone. I am here to remind you that you are never alone.
“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” - Albert Einstein
Fun Facts
My Approach
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My therapeutic approach is active and engaged. I am not a therapist who passively listens. I believe this approach can reinforce the feeling of stagnation that may have brought you to therapy to begin with. You can expect that I will provide questions, observations, education, and specific tools you can use in your daily life.
I believe that the therapist and client share the responsibility of identifying goals and directing sessions. I come to each session with a plan for what we can work on that aligns with your goals for therapy. I also understand that life happens in between sessions, and there may be something else you'd rather prioritize. I strive to be agile and adapt to your evolving needs over the course of our work together. I welcome client feedback at all stages of the therapy process and do my best to integrate it into our work together.
I have personally benefited from engaging in therapy at multiple points in my life. My experience being a client helps me to understand and appreciate the vulnerability and courage my clients bring with them into the therapy room.
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I utilize a collaborative approach in the room and this is reinforced by embracing eclecticism. Some theories I work best with include Narrative, Experiential, Emotionally Focused, and Bowen therapies. Being systemically trained means that I understand life does not happen in a vacuum. I will inquire about your past and present and especially those around you who influenced and shaped your current understanding. These theories further inform my stance.
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During our first few sessions we will focus on getting to know each other. I will ask questions about your symptoms, concerns, and history. We will identify your goals for therapy. I will begin exploring which type(s) of therapy may be most appropriate to help you reach your goals.
During subsequent sessions we will utilize the chosen type of therapy and interventions. Based off your goals and what was discussed in session, I may suggest a “homework assignment” to mull over before next session. I occasionally enjoy providing podcasts, videos, articles, books, worksheets, and/or conversations to help you incorporate lessons from the therapy room into the rest of your life. I encourage these tools to be utilized outside of my office on your own time for best potential of therapeutic growth.
The following session I will check in with how the “homework” felt for you and continue working towards your goals.
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I strive to create a safe and empowering environment for all. My office is open to any race, age, gender, sexual orientation, relationship configuration, political and religious beliefs. I understand the privilege and power that my stance holds within the room and vow to utilize what I can to the client’s benefit. I will put forth effort to empathize with any differences my clients and I may not share.