LICSW, 6 years of experience
My experience as a therapist has been in various settings including office-based, hospital, school, and community-based counseling with people from many different backgrounds. I have a laid back demeanor and an innate curiosity and passion for helping others that guides my values as a therapist. I sometimes incorporate other forms of communication in my practice such as music, art, and games to facilitate expression and aid with comfortability. Outside of my practice, I enjoy surfing, snowboarding, hockey, music and hiking with my dog.
A first session typically involves discussion of what brings you to therapy, background information, and potential goals or objectives for treatment. This is the beginning stage of building trust and rapport.
My demeanor is calm and down-to-earth. I remain an objective person to the people I work with, judgement-free. I try to provide warmth and empathy, but also be direct or challenge negative thinking patterns or behaviors when it's beneficial to growth.
I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults experiencing difficulties with depressive symptoms, anxiety, ADHD, anger management, substance use, self-esteem, work/ school performance, and/or managing relationships. No matter what you come to therapy for, my goal is to meet you where you are at and work together to build awareness, challenge negative thinking, or build helpful skills and strategies.
ACT is helpful for a variety of mental health conditions by working towards acknowledging and observing negative thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness strategies aid ACT with coping strategies and focusing on the present, while taking action/ steps that align with values.
When we have awareness of how our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected, we can take steps towards changing unhelpful thinking patterns to confront or cope with our emotions and change unwanted behaviors or consequences.