Manuel Rios

What is your main goal when working with a client?

The goal is to ensure we can see each other progressing into a healthier relationship with family, friends, and coworkers. To ensure necessary tools are available to use in a way that help the client’s reach their goal. Perhaps, closer to what is need it to fulfill their needs and to see and enjoy life to the fullest.

What is your approach and what methods do you employ?

My personal approach with clients is human connection. As we all grow older and mature in life, there is always something that requires attention. Whether from early childhood to adulthood the experiences we share can be relational and more common than people believe. My counseling approach is not unique to one but rather to multiple approaches around Cognitive-behavior therapy. This is important to me because, uses personal cognition to understand past experiences in connection with the present situations.

What age groups do you most often work with?

I personally enjoy working with teens, individuals, and couples but not limited to any particular age group.

In session I will encourage honesty and collaboration, this is important for the therapeutic relationship to begin. Interaction is expected if there is a goal to reach or an issue to resolve. Keep in mind that the longer the issue is put aside the longer the healing process will take. The client will have all my attention respect, and space to process their situation and be able to articulate and come up with their own solutions and adjustments.

What is your background and what are your credentials?

I am a Mental Health Counselor student intern from Palm Beach Atlantic University which is a Christian base Institution. I completed my bachelor’s degree at University of Phoenix in 2015 with a major in healthcare administration. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, moved to Orlando in 2001. Recently retired from the Army Reserve.

What is the reason you decided to get into counseling?

I realized that overtime the tendency to care for others was innate even to strangers. I often feel the need to help. Passed through many trauma events as a child, even as young adult, which help me later in life to help others and to find solutions. As a Veteran I am also aware of the depression, anxiety, and ptsd to mention a few. In my lifetime as reservist, I found myself looking for ways to be of a service to others and to this community.

Tell us about your education.

I have a Bachelor Science Healthcare Administration BSHA from University of Phoenix. I am a intern student working toward Master in Mental Health Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University.