I’ve enjoyed working with clients who are looking for change in their lives and are willing to take an honest look at patterns and behaviors that have historically led to conflict or unhappiness. The amazing aspect of working with these clients is that they often already know what needs to be done. Having a nonjudgmental space to explore behavior patterns that oppose what they say they want to accomplish, helps to bring these behaviors into the light and enable self-identified changes needed for success. As a counselor, I feel it is my job to act as a mirror so that clients can see themselves more clearly, and not to give advice, that, on some level, they already know needs to happen. My goal is to be the client's most avid cheerleader.
In the first session, I want to find out who you are and what is going on in your life currently. Also, what changes or barriers they are willing to work on with me.
I feel my greatest strength is having decades of experiences with many different people in many different situations and learning how to manage those in a manner that allows everyone to maintain dignity.
I would love to make the amazing journey of change with you. If I’m honest, it is a selfish act because I get so much enjoyment in seeing someone make changes that free them from self-imposed barriers that have kept them from being their best self or overcoming past events that have caused pain and doubt in their lives.
Cognative behavioral therapy is based on the belief that how you think determines how you behave. My philosophy is to focus on negative and detrimental thoughts that lead to behaviors that prevent an individual from acquiring peace and happiness.
My experience with couples has led me to believe that every couple knows exactly how to exist happily. It may just take a mediator to hold the mirror up so that they could see themselves.
I have taught MI classes for years and use it to encourage clients to be aware of how what they say they want may not be supported by their behaviors and to always be aware of how their thoughts affect how they feel.