I believe that each client has unique concerns and issues that should be focused upon one at a time. However, some conditions have to be treated concurrently, such as times when comorbid (underlying and preexisting) conditions exist, for example: PTSD and anxiety and depression, or substance abuse and other mental health disorders. During this time of pandemic, social unrest, and beyond; my role is to help you explore your concerns/issues and build new realities based upon your strengths. I view counseling as a collaborative process whereby the achievement of mutually defined counseling goals is accomplished through commitment and patience. Counseling can help you gain personal insight and lead you to a better understanding of yourself and others. I use a variety of theoretical approaches individualized for you and your life situation. Diagnostic and testing information will be used to help guide my work with you. Your active involvement in and out of our sessions together is essential to gain maximum benefit from your counseling sessions. I may ask you to do homework assignments, exercises or journals. Periodically, we will evaluate our progress and, if necessary, redesign our treatment plan. Remember we are in this together. My commitment is to walk alongside you. As with any intervention, there are both benefits and risks associated with counseling that may include experiencing uncomfortable levels of feelings like sadness, guilt, anger or frustration. Often progress is a gradual process. The goal is to achieve the best and most promising outcome for you.
I graduated from Regent University College of Arts and Science earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) of Psychology Cum Laude, and lifetime membership in Psi Chi a Psychological Honor Society. Upon acceptance at Regent University School of Psychology & Counseling Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program (CACREP). I earned a Master of Art (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Certificate of Graduate Studies (CGS) in Trauma.. I am a member of Chi Sigma Iota Alpha Omega Lambda, Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International. I hold board certification credentials through the National Board of Certified Counselors as a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC). I have completed the CADC-II credential. I am pursuing (3rd year) a PhD in Clinical Psychology to better serve clients with psychological testing. Additionally, I am pursuing the MAT (medication-assisted treatment/medically assisted therapy), and Clinical Supervisor credentials CPCS & ACS (Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor & Approved Clinical Supervisor Courses Complete; Licensures in progress, applications in progress).
Area of competence consist of assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders and trauma; utilizing treatment approaches such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Person Centered, Reality and related Choice therapies, Motivational Interviewing techniques, mental health services consultation and training; and individual and group counseling.
Most recently, I have had the awesome privilege of working as Lead Clinician at a residential facility walking alongside women, women with children, and men experiencing homelessness. We utilize a transformational model of change centered in both Person-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral Therapeutic approaches. Realizing that one approach is not appropriate for all we integrate other modalities in treatment with amazing outcomes. I must say that it has been a world-class experience, and one of the most challenging yet rewarding times of my vocation thus far.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Grief, Anger management, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Co-morbidity, Control issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Drug and alcohol addiction, Emptiness, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality disorders, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Self-harm, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Women's issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
GA LPC LPC011844
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Geraldine (Geri) Godbolt. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Geri is quite a jewel who truly listens and provides the best insights and support to us. I trust her and look to her guidance and she blesses our spirits.
Written on Dec 17, 2024 after therapy with Geraldine (Geri) for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and adhd
Geri is wonderful. She is kind, her voice is calming, she meets me where I'm at. I don't think I could have matched with anyone better. 10/10
Written on Oct 18, 2024 after therapy with Geraldine (Geri) for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
This is early in my therapy sessions with Geri, but so far, I have found her very knowledgeable, compassionate and professional. I look forward to building our relationship.
Written on Oct 09, 2024 after therapy with Geraldine (Geri) for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, and coping with life changes
Geri is such an amazing person, listener, therapist, friend, teacher and is definitely someone I look up to and trust completely. She thinks thoroughly about her clients’ needs and responds in a positive, respectful, and guiding way that truly helps them and whoever else needs the support. She has truly helped me so much with my inner battles and is helping me with my mental health overall. I truly hope she knows how much she means to me and her other clients even if I or the other clients don’t show it.
Written on Aug 12, 2024 after therapy with Geraldine (Geri) for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and
Geri has been supportive since day 1. She realized after our first convo that I was very self aware and talking though my issues probably wouldn’t serve me much good. So she made her approach to be one from which I completed worksheets and have to sit and think about the real answers to things vs surface level. So grateful for that and the understanding it’s already been bringing me.
Written on Aug 01, 2024 after therapy with Geraldine (Geri) for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, anger management, and adhd
I love Geri. She’s amazing!
Written on Apr 15, 2024 after therapy with Geraldine (Geri) for 1 month on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety