Betty Lustig, LMHC

Betty Lustig is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who holds a Master of Education (MEd) in Community Counseling from the University of Miami in Florida. With 18 years of clinical experience, she has supported people facing anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, relationship and family difficulties, and a wide range of life transitions. Her practice also addresses issues such as sleep problems, anger, self-esteem, career concerns, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and caregiver and chronic illness challenges.

Betty primarily uses a Client-Centered approach and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). As a Client-Centered practitioner she focuses on building a trusting therapeutic relationship marked by acceptance and empathy, creating a space where people can speak openly about what is troubling them. Through CBT she helps clients identify unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and works with them on practical strategies to change those patterns and improve daily functioning.

She adapts other methods as needed to meet individual client goals, emphasizing collaboration to identify the most relevant issues and develop a plan for feeling stronger and more resilient. Betty approaches each person with respect and a focus on practical tools and personal growth, and she is committed to guiding clients through their healing journey.

Client-Centered and CBT Approaches for Online Care

Betty uses Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as primary approaches in her online practice. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a warm, nonjudgmental relationship in which the therapist listens deeply and supports the client in discovering their own solutions; this approach is helpful for issues such as grief, relationship struggles, self-esteem, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors through practical exercises and skill building, and it is often used for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and anger management.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the collaborative process. Betty works with each person to understand their needs, goals, and preferences, and she tailors techniques so that therapy fits the individual rather than forcing the client to fit a single method. That collaborative planning helps determine whether a Client-Centered focus, CBT strategies, or a combination will be most useful.

Online therapy offers flexibility in how people connect - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging are all available. These options make it easier to schedule sessions around work, caregiving, or other commitments and help maintain continuity of care when in-person visits are difficult. Licensed professionals can apply the same therapeutic principles through these formats to support progress and practical change.