Life’s challenges weighing you down? Gear up for personal growth with our skilled therapists, available virtually and at our Dallas-area locations in Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Lakewood, Prosper, and North Richland Hills.
At Gearing Up, we empower adults to navigate life’s complexities and unlock their full potential. Our compassionate, tailored approach turns obstacles into stepping stones for success. Ready to embark on your journey of self-discovery? Let’s gear up and thrive together.
Individual talk therapy has been the most common form of mental health therapy for adults for over 100 years.
“Talk therapy” for adults experiencing mental health issues started with Dr. Sigmund Freud in the late 1800’s. However since then, it has undergone numerous changes, updates, and evolutions in the almost 150 years since its inception. Talk therapy is by far the most common form of professional mental health therapy for adults. Individual Therapy can take many different forms, but primarily each system focuses on a specific method of interaction between the client and the therapist depending on the therapy system in use. Of course, many therapy systems do share a number of things in common:
GearingUP offers many different types of individual therapy for adults through either in-office sessions or through online telehealth sessions. Our clinical team is trained, experienced, and even certified in multiple forms of individual therapy depending on your needs. GearingUP has helped thousands of adult clients work with their mental health issues since opening in 1986.
There are many different research-based methods of individual therapy for adults, and each therapy system is intended for certain needs and often recommended to address particular issues. Here are brief descriptions of many of the individual therapies GearingUP offers in the Dallas area:
CBT’s structure focuses on the relationship between thoughts and behaviors. By addressing our negative thoughts and the things that influence those thoughts, we can improve our overall emotional wellness and choose more skilled behaviors. CBT’s evidence-based process teaches clients new skills, problem solving strategies, and practical coping mechanisms to create lasting positive change.
An updated version of CBT, DBT goes further to illustrate how both thoughts and emotions influence our experience of our lives. Using both individual therapy and skills classes (in group or individual sessions), DBT follows a research supported skills curriculum through four overall topics – mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy helps clients process and heal from traumatic experiences using a combination of therapeutic techniques and neurological reprocessing strategies. EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that has been shown to greatly reduce the impact and severity of traumatic memories, and a key therapy in GearingUP’s trauma-informed therapy offerings.
ACT combines the powerful grounding skills of acceptance and mindfulness with techniques for commitment and behavioral change. This therapy system emphasizes value-based decision making to act in alignment with your goals instead of simply reacting to whatever is happening in the moment. ACT equips clients with powerful tools to overcome discomfort and lead truly fulfilling lives.
CPT is a specialized form of cognitive therapy designed primarily to treat PTSD and trauma. CPT focuses on understanding how the trauma has affected your thoughts about safety, trust, power/control, esteem, intimacy in relationships, and more. Researchers have shown over dozens of studies how effective and impactful CPT can be for trauma clients to help them heal and move forward. Our expert therapists guide you through every step of recovery.
ERP is the gold-standard treatment for OCD as well as certain phobias and other anxiety disorders. Through gradual, controlled exposure to feared situations or triggering stimuli while preventing typical avoidance responses, ERP helps break the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Under expert guidance, you will learn how to face fears safely, leading to decreased anxiety and improved daily functioning.
MBCT builds upon the foundation of cognitive therapy principles and skills by adding mindfulness practices and acceptance skills that have been proven to help prevent relapse of recurrent conditions like depression and anxiety. Mindfulness also helps us become more aware of and clarify our existing thinking patterns, triggers, and belief systems for more profound cognitive restructuring with CBT skills.
EFT helps individuals, families, and couples develop healthier emotional connections and relationship patterns. Through understanding core emotions and attachment styles and needs, this approach focuses on identifying and transforming difficult emotional responses and relationship dynamics into more wholesome patterns. Clients learn to express feelings more effectively, strengthen bonds, and create lasting positive change in their relationships and emotional lives.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) is a specialized treatment protocol proven effective for PTSD and trauma-related disorders. Through gradual, safe exposure to trauma memories and previously avoided situations, clients learn how to work with trauma-related memories and triggers. This short term treatment helps reduce PTSD symptoms and enables people to reclaim their lives from fear and avoidance.
Mindfulness sets a foundation for all GearingUP clients for increased awareness, self-compassion, and improved clarity of thoughts and intentions. While mindfulness plays a role in many therapy systems, learning the skills and practices of mindfulness can unlock additional benefits like reducing reactivity and stress, boosting emotional regulation and body awareness, and bringing a greater sense of peace to your life.
Individual therapy for adults may be helpful for many people depending on their personal circumstances, but every therapy client is different. Here are a sample of common reasons many clients seek out therapy:
Researchers have found a number of major “life stressor” events that go beyond our day-to-day struggles and can cause deep suffering that may require additional resources to move past effectively. Life stressors include issues such as divorce, loss of a job, moving to a new city, the death of a family member or loved one, and more. Life stressors can make us feel overwhelmed at work or school and feel they need extra help during this difficult time.
Some clients begin therapy after receiving a specific diagnosis from a medical professional, a psychiatrist, or another mental health professional. Our therapists are ready to help if you have already received a diagnosis or are looking for a formal diagnosis of a mental health issue to begin therapy. Our therapists can help you understand your diagnosis, discuss options for effective treatment based on science, and work with you to make an effective treatment plan to meet your goals.
Even though there may not be a new inciting incident or specific trigger, some people simply need extra support during challenging times of life. Many people experience cycles of fluctuating moods and thoughts during specific times of year like the holiday season or around the anniversary of a traumatic event. Whether you have worked with a therapist before or are just looking for some extra support during a difficult time, our therapists are ready to help you.
Many people choose to seek out therapy simply because they feel stuck in their lives. Whether it’s at work, relationships, or daily habits, it is entirely understandable to feel stuck and that you may want or need some additional help to chart a new path forward. Routines and structure can be good, but some of us feel like we have lost our passion in our lives with the same patterns and routines day after day. Therapy may be able to help you reinvent your life and create a life worth living based on what you want next.
It’s entirely normal to experience mild anxiety or depression and move past it without the help of a mental health professional, but sometimes what starts small can grow over time and become something larger. Perhaps the depression or anxiety that would last a few days before has stuck around for months or even years, and you may be finally ready to break the cycle of persistent negative thoughts. Particularly if these thoughts or feelings are interfering with your daily life activities, therapy may be very helpful to help you enjoy life once again.
If you think therapy may be helpful for you, then it may be best to schedule an initial appointment to meet with a licensed therapist and discuss your concerns, how you’re feeling, or the things you want to work on. Even if you don’t have a specific or defined goal, your therapist can help you understand what you may be experiencing and how therapy can help resolve those issues. They may also provide a preliminary treatment plan, potential next steps, and what kinds of therapy may be helpful to achieve your goals.
Once you enter your basic information, most new clients are seen within one week of contacting our office and many can be seen within 24-48 hours if requested.
Your initial appointment will be with one of GearingUP’s senior clinicians who have received years of training and experience in our therapies and methodology.
Depending on your circumstances, we often recommend initial diagnostics and testing. An accurate diagnosis allows us to use the most effective therapies for your needs.
Once the initial treatment plan is finalized, you will begin your therapy with one of our highly trained licensed therapists. They are here to help you meet your goals often in weekly therapy sessions.
We take our commitment to quality therapy seriously. We offer a suite of weekly assessments and quarterly or annual testing to monitor your progress and make sure you are reaching your goals.
If we need to change something, please reach out to our office or your therapist. Maybe you would like a different approach, a different therapist, or simply want to try something new. Switch things up at no extra cost.
Transform your life with proven therapeutic approaches that have been proven to actually work. Evidence-based therapy uses scientifically researched and validated methods, giving you confidence in your therapist’s guidance. Unlike nondirective traditional counseling, evidence-based therapy techniques have been rigorously tested and shown to create real, lasting change. Get measurable results and practical tools backed by decades of research. Why guess when science call tell you what actually works.
When it comes to your mental health, expertise matters. Our therapists have completed years of advanced clinical training and direct treatment experience to help you achieve your goals. Many of them have been trained by world experts or the clinicians who originally developed the therapy. You’ll benefit from their sophisticated implementation of therapeutic techniques, deep understanding of complex mental health challenges, and proven strategies refined and practiced through thousands of clinical hours. Trust your journey to professionals who’ve mastered their craft through rigorous training and experience.
Ready for practical solutions that work in real life? Skills-focused therapy goes beyond just talking about problems – it gives you concrete tools you can use in the moment when you need them. Learn proven techniques for managing stress, improving relationships, and building confidence. Each session adds new strategies to your personal toolkit, empowering you to handle life’s challenges long after therapy ends.
Start your mental health journey the right way with therapy that has a clear direction and purpose. Structured therapy means every session moves you closer to your goals through planned, purposeful steps. No more endless sessions wondering if you’re actually making forward progress towards your goals or just temporarily feeling better by talking about your problems. Experience a focused approach where you’ll track your improvements, know exactly where you’re heading, and see real change over time.
Life is complicated enough already. Your therapy should fit your schedule, your budget, and your clinical goals. GearingUP offers flexible treatment options including in-person sessions, secure online video appointments, and evening sessions as well. Even if you prefer a new therapy approach or a new therapist, we’ll find what’s best for you. Your healing journey shouldn’t add stress to your life.
Don’t settle for quick fixes that don’t last. GearingUP’s therapies dig deeper and create lasting transformation at the root of your challenges. While surface-level solutions offer temporary relief, we help you build a strong foundation for permanent change. Experience the difference between managing symptoms and truly healing. Create meaningful, lifelong change that transforms how you live, think, and feel.
Master skills that enhance every area of your life. The tools you’ll learn in therapy aren’t just for managing specific problems – they’re life skills that work everywhere. From improving workplace relationships to strengthening personal connections, these practical techniques make a difference at home, work, and beyond. Build a toolkit that grows with you through life’s many challenges.
Turn understanding into action through real-life skills practice. Unlike traditional therapy that stays in the office, our therapies help you apply new techniques and skills in your daily life. Practice skills in a safe, supportive setting with coaching from your therapist before testing them out in the real world. Build confidence that you can handle any situation. Insights become habits that stick through guided, practical experience.
Learn to become your own support system. Rather than creating ongoing reliance on your therapist when adversity strikes, GearingUP’s therapy goal is to empower you with skills to handle life’s challenges independently. Build lasting self-reliance with proven coping mechanisms and research proven skills while knowing support from your therapist is available when you need it.
GearingUP’s therapists focus on active growth and forward momentum, not endless sessions focused on the past rehashing the same issues. Sustained growth and lasting change takes time and dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of steps depending on your goals. Our therapists help you build momentum, break through barriers, and cultivate real growth and transformation. Stop treading water and start moving toward the life you want.
Transform your life with therapy that creates lasting change, not temporary fixes. All of GearingUP’s therapies have been proven by research to have long term results with longitudinal studies confirming benefits for years or even decades after therapy concludes. Our therapies build permanent skills and insights that stay with you long after sessions end. Unlike quick-fix solutions that fade, you’ll develop deep-rooted tools to handle future challenges confidently. Invest in real transformation that continues working for years to come, not just temporary relief.
At GearingUP, we believe world class mental health care should fit your budget, needs, and lifestyle. We believe everyone deserves access to effective therapy, offering flexible payment options, sliding scale fees, and we also accept most major insurance plans. With both in-person and virtual sessions available, getting the support you need has never been more convenient. Start your healing journey without financial hurdles or lifestyle stress holding you back. Contact our office today to confirm your insurance benefits or discuss self-pay discounts or sliding scale payment options!
There is no “one size fits all” therapy. GearingUp clinicians are trained, experienced, or certified in over 20 types of therapy. Testing and diagnostics help our therapists deliver more effective treatment in a shorter amount of time.
GearingUp also offers regular testing and monitoring to track daily and weekly improvements, monitor your progress, and make sure you are meeting your therapy goals. Short term or long term, skills-based or client-directed, integrative or classical – we are ready to use the best therapy style for your particular needs.
GearingUp therapists have an average of over 10 years experience as a licensed therapist*. GearingUp invests in our clinical team with new trainings and certifications for every single clinician, every year.
On average, each clinician receives over 75 hours of continuing education per year* in the latest therapies and research. Experienced therapists using the most up to date therapies deliver the best results. (*based on 2022 & 2023 data)
GearingUP has been a trusted name for psychology and mental health counseling in Texas for over 40 years. Dr. Sylvia and Dr. Milt Gearing have established themselves as two of the best and most respected clinical psychologists in Texas, and they are known around the country for their profound clinical programs, insightful diagnostic testing, and life changing results.
Every case at GearingUP is monitored by the Gearings and their senior staff to ensure the best quality of care for your therapy services whether in our weekly clinic wide case consultations, phone conferences, or clinical supervision sessions. GearingUP goes above and beyond to make sure you are receiving world class therapy services.
GearingUP’s fast and convenient patient portal platform is there 24/7 to get you the information you need, whenever you need it. Log in for your online telehealth session, check on your insurance claim status, pay your bill, print a statement, or even access your clinical reports quickly and conveniently all in one place.
You can also message with our staff for appointment scheduling, schedule change requests, request new services, review scheduled appointments, and more. Manage your therapy services whenever it’s convenient for you through GearingUP’s patient portal system.
| GearingUP | Other online adult therapists | Other in-person adult therapists | |
|---|---|---|---|
Licensed therapists with an average of 10 years of clinical therapy experience | |||
Online video or in-person office sessions | |||
Clinical treatment team with multiple clinicians and administrative staff support | |||
Clinicians complete an average of 75 hours of continuing education per year | |||
Therapist matching by senior therapists, not algorithms | |||
Diagnostics and testing for effective therapy | |||
Multiple therapy options and approaches to fit your needs and preferences | |||
Digital worksheets and assessments from your therapist | |||
Weekly progress monitoring and reports | |||
Coordinated care with your doctor or psychiatrists | |||
Accept and bill insurance for you | |||
Sliding scale payment options available | |||
Hour-long appointments | |||
Evening appointments available | |||
Multiple convenient locations around Dallas-Fort Worth area | |||
Therapists from multiple cultural and racial backgrounds |
GearingUp validates the effectiveness and quality of our care through anonymous client ratings, surveys, and internal clinical data.
of GearingUp client clinical testing data shows “significant improvements” in resolving client issues after 6-12 months of treatment.
of GearingUp clients report that they have made progress since starting with GearingUp.
of GearingUp clients feel that their therapist is effective for their therapy needs.
of GearingUp clients are happy with their therapy at GearingUp.
of GearingUp clients report feeling better since they started therapy at GearingUp.
of GearingUp clients agree that their therapist hears them and understands their needs.
The therapists are highly trained and very professional. I'm a completely different person now thanks to GearingUp (thanks June!).
GearingUp is great! They helped save my marriage!
It is difficult to find words to express how much my family and I have been helped by GearingUp. I cannot imagine a better place to go. My family and I are truly blessed to have found these kind, wonderful people.
Very personal but in a good way. My therapist was a lot of fun and a great listener. She turned every experience into a lesson and helped me find myself.
Great program run by wonderful people. Very welcome changes in our family dynamics. Thank you GearingUp for being a huge part of the solution.
Professional, compassionate, and effective. The therapy and testing here has been a life changer.
Counseling at GearingUp has been life-changing for me. I have learned so many skills to manage my anxiety and depression. I am very grateful for both the individual and group therapy that I had there.
I have had an amazing experience with the professionals at GearingUp. I have been treated with care and compassion, and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for help with any personal or relationship issues.
Get started in minutes! Contact our office for a quick enrollment with basic information like contact information, insurance details (if using insurance), and payment information. Our staff will schedule your first appointment with one of our senior therapists to discuss your needs and how GearingUP can help you. We often have same day or next day appointments available for new clients, but most new clients are seen in less than one week after contacting our office.
GearingUP offers individual therapy for adults at all of its locations including Plano (Mapleshade), Plano (Stonebriar), McKinney, Dallas (Lakewood), Frisco (West), Prosper, and North Richland Hills.
Individual therapy for adults is also available through online virtual telehealth sessions.
Adult individual therapy is the most common form of therapy offered by GearingUP’s clinical team. Please review our individual therapist profiles to confirm what ages, populations, and issues they work with and specialize in.
Individual therapy sessions usually last for 50 minutes either in-person at one of GearingUP’s offices or in an online virtual session over video conference. Most insurance plans cover both in office and online sessions, but we would be happy to confirm your benefits for you. Depending on your therapy needs, the session will likely be a lively discussion between you and your therapist sharing information, discussing challenges, and sharing ways to make positive changes going forward.
Most insurance plans do not require a referral or pre-authorization to start outpatient therapy with GearingUP. However, please call your insurance company to confirm your benefits or call our office and we can confirm if anything is required for your plan.
GearingUP does not prescribe any medication at this time. We work closely with many prescribers in the Dallas area and around Texas, and we would be happy to correspond with their office to coordinate your care.
Of course, you can switch individual therapists at GearingUP at any time. Please contact our office to request a change in therapist if you are not feeling a good connection, and we will reschedule you with another licensed therapist on our staff!
GearingUP has been delivering therapy in Texas since 1986 with over 500,000 completed therapy sessions. GearingUP therapists have an average of over 10 years experience as a licensed therapist, and each therapist completes an average of 75 hours of continuing education and professional development per year (based on 2022 and 2023 clinician data).
GearingUP also regularly monitors the quality of care and clinical effectiveness through anonymous client ratings, surveys, and internal clinical data reviews. Based on our clinical testing data, 93% of GearingUP clients show “significant improvements” in resolving their clinical issues after 6-12 months of therapy. Client surveys show that 99% of our clients report that they have made progress on their goals since starting with GearingUP and 100% agreed that the therapist was effective for their therapy needs. Approximately 97% of clients say that they feel better since they have started therapy with GearingUP, and 99% of clients responded that they are happy with their care at GearingUP.