LPC, 20 years of experience
Hello! I get that life is complicated and traumatic experiences make it more so. I have experience helping clients heal and grow as they navigate challenges related to sexual trauma, disability, and mental health. Throughout my career, I have worked with children, teens, and adults from diverse backgrounds as they follow a path of healing after sexual abuse. I have also worked with many individuals whose intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities influenced their sexuality and mental health. I am particularly interested in helping individuals whose concerns relate to: * Sexual trauma * Online victimization/exploitation * Discovering a loved one has been abused or has abused another * Emotional, social, and sexual concerns influenced by illness/disability * Caregiving * Vicarious/secondary trauma and professional burnout
Good first sessions are ones in which the conversation feels natural and we can focus on whether we are a good fit. I ask that clients complete an intake form and consent form specific to my practice (both are different than the Grow forms you will also need to sign) before our first appointment, so that I have some sense of their concerns and history. This allows me to ask more helpful questions and better appreciate the context of what you are telling me. During the conversation, we can come up with a plan for moving forward that makes sense, given everything else you are juggling.
I focus on whole individuals, not labels, diagnoses, or select behaviors. I am used to talking about sensitive topics, including those related to sexuality, problematic thoughts/behavior, death, discrimination, cultural differences, and spirituality. I encourage clients to practice living in the present, reminding them that, while the past influences things, it does not determine their future. I carry with me all the lessons I've learned through the years from the many children, youth, and adults I've accompanied, for a time, along their unique paths of healing and growth.
* Individuals impacted directly or indirectly by sexual abuse/assault/exploitation- (including family members of those who have committed sexual offenses * Professionals experiencing vicarious trauma/burnout * Individuals struggling with the challenges of ongoing caregiving * Individuals with intellectual disability and histories of trauma who are a good fit for telehealth
I draw on many different treatment approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT). I think it's important to use approaches that make sense to the individual client. Depending upon their skills, interests, and backgrounds, that may involve the incorporation of art, music, writing, or other creative forms. I also recognize the importance of incorporating practices such as mindfulness, body scans, and other techniques that help with emotional regulation and emphasize the mind-body connection. In addition to the Grow Therapy consent form and intake form, I ask clients to fill out an additional consent form that is specific to my practice and a detailed intake form. I will send these to you through the Grow Therapy messaging app after you make your first appointment. PLEASE complete and return those to me through the Grow messaging platform before your first appointment, so that I have a better understanding of your experiences and concerns. I know it seems like a lot of paperwork, but it means we can spend less time on standard questions and more time getting to know each other to find out if we are a good fit.