LMHC, 12 years of experience
My name is Andrea. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of FL and NY. I have over 12 years of experience working with children and adults in inpatient and outpatients settings, including corrections. I was raised in NY by West Indian (Caribbean)/Asian parents. I then moved to FL where I earned my BA in Psychology and Masters in Mental Health Counseling. My passion is helping others figure out this crazy thing called life, and learn how to live with more satisfaction. My approach to therapy is person centered and may change from patient to patient. This means it will be tailored to each person's specific needs. I enjoy building rapport with my patients to help encourage a healthy therapeutic relationship and allow my patients to feel as comfortable as possible. So whether it's anxiety, depression, or trauma etc., let's figure this out together!
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, some background information and then dive into stressors and coping skills. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.
Some of my biggest strengths are my ability to work in so many diverse environments. I have worked with high risk populations and I am able to always see the person first. I don't believe that people should be defined by the past or by their condition. Everyone deserves the right to be treated with unconditional positive regard.
Therapy works best when the client is just as ready to work as I am ready to help. I believe that in order to foster a healthy therapeutic relationship, there needs to be effort on both ends, consistent communication and follow through.
I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy to help client's learn how gain control of their emotions and behaviors by reframing their thoughts. Thoughts are the driving force of our lives. If we learn how to manage those, we can improve our functioning significantly.
Sometimes in life we just need a little help navigating change or roadblocks. Lets figure out the problem or road block, and come up with solutions that can bring about lasting change.