Narcissistic Abuse Therapy Near Plano, TX

If you are having problems with your mental health, working with a therapist could be your hardest journey. This is because human beings tend to avoid big issues that are affecting their lives. Additionally, we live in a society that encourages us to push aside or sweep under the rug the things that may slow us down or give the appearance that we are vulnerable. We assume that it is more efficient. However, the therapists at Positive Approach Counseling in Frisco, TX encourage you to look at the difficult issues you’re facing and challenge yourself to press forward into a more positive outlook and healthier life path.

We understand that deciding to undergo a therapy takes a lot of courage, patience, and dedication to living an emotionally healthy lifestyle. It is our duty to serve as your guide and offer you with insights, options, and support, while you embark on this challenging journey. In return, we expect that you will “own” the process. We hope that you will be punctual, be open to exploration of your thoughts and feelings, and be willing to implement change in your life.

Jonathan Taglione M.S., LPC-Supervisor, DBT Certified, and EMDR Certified Therapist

Jonathan is the founder of Positive Approach Counseling. He established the business in 2016 because he believes in counseling, in the community, and his clients. Jonathan is skilled in providing mental health-related services, including life coaching, EMDR therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and he can conduct sessions for individuals and groups. His journey and experiences have allowed him to become an expert in many treatment modalities. Jonathan emphasizes the development of healthy, useful life skills. He not only tailors his services based on the clients’ needs but also incorporates intervention into both his group and individual processes.

Our company is built on mutual trust, understanding, and creating a positive mindset. Our company founder believes that therapy is a partnership with clients. Jonathan co-creates a plan of action with his clients, addressing issues and reaching positive outcomes. In addition, he focuses on developing a therapeutic alliance and setting clear boundaries and expectations, which are essential to a successful therapy.

He knows that working with a therapist would be like his clients asking to be “spotted” while doing a bench press. However, mental health is just as important as physical health. You can’t just try to push the weight off your chest whenever you feel the stress of daily life. That is why we offer you our mental health services. Through therapy, you will feel empowered and increase your capacity to cope with the pressure you’re feeling every day.

Background

In 2008, Jonathan studied Bachelor of Science in Psychology and graduated from Texas Tech University. He completed his master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Tarleton State University in 2012. For five years, he has been a mental health professional, doing private practice. He has also worked at both inpatient and outpatient facilities and helped adolescents and adults who experience a variety of mental health and addiction issues.

As a student of human behavior, he believes that each member of our team should never stop learning and progressing. He always encourages us to never stop challenging ourselves so that we will constantly evolve and improve in all aspects of our lives.

A man smiling for the camera with his head tilted to the side.

Jonathan Taglione, MS, LPC-Supervisor

Fun Facts About Jonathan

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Favorite Quote:“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” – Albert Einstein
Bucket List:He wants to get a helicopter license and travel to Barcelona, Spain.
Biggest Fear:He is afraid of spiders, and he hates their hairy legs.
Favorite Thing to Do on a Weekend:During weekends, he likes to engage in social activities, and he enjoys meeting new people, while being with friends.
Greatest Achievement:His greatest achievement is getting his master’s degree in 2012 and beginning a career in helping people.
Passions (Other Than Therapy):He enjoys hiking, hunting, playing sports, boating, water skiing, tubing, cooking/grilling outside, running, and weight lifting.
Coolest Travel Adventure:He thinks that the coolest adventure is to go to Italy and visit Vatican City, Sicily, Rome, Pompeii, and the Isle of Capri.
A woman standing in front of a brick building.

Whitney Scheef, MA, LPC

My Personal Statement

As a professional counselor, I believe in the power of each individual to overcome barriers that prevent their life from taking a more positive direction. I am invested in creating a calm and nonjudgmental safe haven, where growth and improvement can occur comfortably. Using a person-centered approach requires understanding the perspective clients being into therapy related to the difficulties they face, I strive to foster open & honest communication within a therapeutic relationship to enable people coming to talk with me to feel safe sharing. When people feel comfortable expressing their emotions, discussing past traumas and gathering helpful information throughout therapy, they are better equipped to better manage tough times, stress and life challenges.

I believe that therapy is a calling, not just a profession. I believe in a full heart much more than a full pocketbook, and I believe my professional satisfaction is reflected in the quality of the work I do with clients. Therapy helps develop healthy boundaries, set goals, learn limits of one's personal control, and increase personal self-awareness. This enables people to heal from past traumas, forgive themselves for past wrong-doings, overcome codependency and recover from addictions, anxiety and depression.

I believe that empathetic understanding and validation are the catalysts of positive change. It is my role as a Licensed Professional Counselor to offer guidance, insightful feedback and promoting patients to utilize coping skills, develop improved understanding related to their specific issues, and find a nonjudgmental place to be themselves to work towards positive behavioral changes.

My Experience

Whitney Scheef, MA, LPC has worked in a variety of settings over her 15 years of being a licensed counselor. From working in homes and schools with troubled youth and their families in social work, adult inpatient unit therapist, intensive outpatient settings with adults and children, to having a successful private practice for the last 11 years, Mrs. Scheef has a plethora of experience to bring into the therapy setting from which she can draw from. Not only does she have extensive psychological training and experience practicing counseling, but her alternative social work and hospital experience provides knowledge and information she is able to bring into each session to help with referrals, navigation of services and medication management assistance as needed.

Mercan Atalay

Mercan Atalay. MS., LPC-A

Life isn’t truly easy for any of us - especially with the intensity, complexity, and stress that modern life presents. Challenging circumstances and past experiences can negatively affect our journey, emotions, and resilience, often leading to worry, sadness, stress, anger, or even a loss of hope. If you’re going through such hardships, please know you’re not alone, and it can be difficult to handle everything by yourself. That’s why I believe meaningful connections and relationships are so essential.

I see the therapy room as the safest place to foster these meaningful relationships. In a nonjudgmental, safe environment, individuals can share their emotions and experiences, feel heard and validated, and ultimately be empowered. As a therapist, I view my role as a partner in your healing process - supporting clients in identifying unhealthy behavior patterns and working to overcome them. I also see the therapist as a facilitator, helping bring present-moment awareness to the ongoing flow of experience so that unresolved personal conflicts can emerge and be resolved.

While my approach is eclectic, I place special importance on the “here and now.” During therapy, I may use certain experiential activities to focus on identifying and exploring emotions, because recognizing our feelings is a key step toward moving forward in a healthier way. As Brené Brown reminds us, “Naming our emotions gives us the power of understanding, not more pain.” I believe everyone has the power to heal, grow, and feel more confident in navigating life’s ups and downs.

Background

Mercan, MS, LPC-A, earned her undergraduate degree in Guidance and Psychological Counseling from Ankara University in 2009. She then continued her academic journey at Istanbul University - one of Turkey’s oldest institutions, established in the 15th century - where she completed both her master’s and doctoral studies in Psychology. During this time, she provided counseling for adolescents, teenagers and families in various schools and clinics, as well as private practice support for adults.

In 2018, Mercan relocated to Dallas, Texas, where she completed her Counseling program at the University of North Texas. Over seven years in the U.S., she gained extensive experience in mental and behavioral health through her work at a public school, a university human development center, and a local nonprofit organization. Her passion lies in helping clients who experience anxiety, depression, adjusting life changes, and other challenges.

Having worked with clients from diverse backgrounds, Mercan believes strongly in the Humanistic approach, which highlights the importance of unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness. She strives to create a safe and nurturing environment where people can discover their innate resilience, deepen self-understanding, and develop meaningful connections. In her view, every individual is motivated by a desire for aliveness, wholeness, and a sense of belonging - and she is committed to helping each person tap into their own strengths and hope for the future.

Fun Facts About Mercan

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Favorite Quote:“Awareness in itself is healing.” — Fritz Perls
Bucket List:She wants to travel to Norway’s Tromsø Region to experience the Northern Lights
Biggest Fear:She panics whenever she sees a bug, something about their weird colors and shapes just makes her skin crawl.
Favorite Thing to Do on a Weekend:She loves hanging out with her little one and husband, exploring new places, and savoring all kinds of delectable food.
Greatest Achievement:Her greatest achievement is to be following her passion all the way through her master’s program in counseling, where she graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA and using her expertise to help people and communities through professional mental health services.
Passions (Other Than Therapy):She enjoys exploring nature, gardening, taking photographs, and swimming.
Coolest Travel Adventure:Journey to Japan and swimming with manta rays.