Featured Therapist for April, April Piercy
Every month, Council for Relationships features one of our staff therapists. This month’s Featured Therapist is April Piercy, PhD, MFT. Learn more about her in the below interview!
What makes you unique as a therapist?
I meet the client where they are. Making the decision to seek therapy can be scary for some and as therapists we are charged with making clients comfortable. At times, I use humor to connect with clients to make them feel more at ease.
What do you consider to be the goal of therapy?
The goal of therapy is to assist clients with their healing process. This consists of revisiting their past to heal their present.
Who is your ideal client? Describe the issues with which you work best.
My ideal client is sure of what they would like to accomplish in therapy. They acknowledge that they have inner strength to aide in their healing process. Issues that I work best with include domestic violence, trauma, and issues faced by women of color.
How would your clients describe you?
My clients would say I am humorous, knowledgeable, deep, a good listener, encourager, and someone who guides them to find answers to their questions. I believe I’m good at asking questions, helping clients dig deep, and challenging clients to think beyond the issue at hand.
Describe a useful tool or exercise that you like to share with your clients.
Useful tools that I use in therapy include icebreakers, games, and assessments to get clients to evaluate their issues.
What is your background and why did you choose CFR?
I have a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a PhD in Studies in Advanced Human Behavior. I currently work as an Assistant Social Work Supervisor at a correctional facility. I have experience working with at-risk youths such as teen mothers and girls between the ages of 12-15. I have worked with women who have experienced domestic violence. I have also worked as an adjunct faculty member teaching Interventions in Marriage and Family Therapy.
I chose CFR because of the feeling of belonging and working with likeminded people. I also know I have the opportunity to grow as a professional therapist by participating in and teaching workshops, writing blogs, and participating in groups to give back to communities in need. CFR is an organization that welcomes all, no matter what you look like or what you are bringing to the organization.
Why did you decide to become a therapist? What drew you to counseling as a career?
I became a therapist because I wanted to work closely with African American communities that don’t seek therapy for their issues. I also wanted to become a therapist because I enjoy helping others. As a child I wanted to become a medical doctor. Sometimes life can cause you to make changes, and that is what ultimately happened to me, but I am still helping others through healing of the mind, body, and soul through therapy.
What is one piece of advice you would like to give people who may be struggling emotionally and would like to seek counseling but may not be ready?
Seeking counseling can be a major decision in your life, but only you have the power to bring forth the change that you know you deserve.
Describe a typical first session with you.
A first session with me is getting to know you and the issue that may have led you to seek therapy.
The most important thing during the first session is building a rapport with clients by listening to them and being attentive to their concerns. I let clients know that they are in control of their therapy; I am just the passenger on their train.
April Piercy, PhD, MFT is a Staff Therapist at our Voorhees, NJ Office; she currently sees clients via online therapy. To set-up an appointment, you can reach her at apiercy@councilforrelationships.org or 215-382-6680 ext. 7006.