LCSW, 15 years of experience
I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to help people somehow, whether by offering support by improving mental health, addressing relationship difficulties, or adjusting to challenging life changes. I have been practicing for fifteen years. I graduated with a Master's in Social Work from Florida International University in April 1997. I completed a Graduate Certification in Addiction and Recovery at the University of Florida College of Medicine in August 2020. I also completed certifications in Nurturing Skills for Families in Substance Treatment and Recovery and Nurturing Parenting Facilitator. I am a certified Hypnotherapist and trained in EMDR. I provide services in English and Spanish to patients experiencing personal conflict, relationship or family troubles, or a mental health condition such as depression, stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, PTSD, Career Counseling, OCD, and phobias. I also provide services to individuals with a substance use condition and addictions. I believe a good therapeutic relationship is essential. A good therapeutic relationship is vital in recovery; trust, respect, and unity are significant components.
In the first therapy session, you can expect me to prioritize creating a comfortable and safe space for you to share your thoughts and emotions. I will clearly outline my role in the therapeutic process and engage in a discussion about your therapy goals, working together to establish realistic and achievable objectives. Central to my practice is the belief in the pivotal role of a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, respect, and unity to support your recovery and well-being. During our session, you will have the opportunity to openly discuss the issues that led you to therapy, express your feelings, and begin exploring potential solutions and coping strategies. I will provide an overview of the therapy process, discussing what to anticipate in future sessions and addressing any questions you may have about the therapeutic approach we will be utilizing. My commitment is to be a supportive presence on your therapeutic journey.
I bring a deep empathy to my therapy practice, allowing me to connect with clients personally and understand their experiences. My passion for healing others drives my commitment to providing a supportive and nurturing environment where clients feel heard and valued. By leveraging these strengths, I aim to empower individuals on their journey toward self-discovery and growth.
Clients who are in the best position to benefit from therapy are typically those who are open to change, motivated to work on themselves, and willing to engage actively in the therapeutic process. These clients are willing to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and are open to receiving feedback and guidance from their therapist. Clients who have a genuine desire to improve their mental health, are committed to attending sessions regularly, and are willing to participate in homework or practice exercises assigned by the therapist are also well-positioned to benefit from therapy. Additionally, clients who have a good rapport with their therapist, feel comfortable expressing themselves honestly, and are willing to be vulnerable and explore difficult topics are more likely to experience positive outcomes in therapy. It's important for clients to have realistic expectations about therapy and be willing to invest time and effort into their own healing and growth. Overall, a collaborative and trusting relationship between the client and therapist, along with the client's active participation and willingness to make changes, are key factors in determining who is best positioned to benefit from therapy.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). EMDR is a therapeutic approach used by mental health professionals to help individuals process traumatic experiences. It focuses on disturbing memories while incorporating bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, taps, or sounds.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach that focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors to improve mental health. In a counseling or therapy practice, CBT is often utilized by helping individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.