Hi I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker. I have over 25 years of experience working with individuals and families seeking help with one or more of the following: addiction, parenting, couple, foster care, school issues, and the military family's unique challenges. I have had the privilege to witness families grow in their ability to communicate their feelings and needs positively which enhances their relationships with each other
In the first session my first question is " How can I help? I listen,. I then begin to gather information and explain possible approaches to address the client's concern.
My greatest strength that I bring as a provider is my extensive experience working with individuals, couples, children and families in a variety of settings with a wide range of issues. I am very fortunate to continue to have a love for my work.
l feel privileged to have found effective ways of helping parents and their children to ease through some difficult passages in their lives. I have expertise in the following modalities: family systems, Gestalt play therapy and positive and effective parenting skills.
I have a post graduate two year training in Gestalt couple therapy. I have worked with couples over the years in multiple settings and dealing with a wide variety of issues including but not exclusive: second marriages, step children, parenting, cheating, abuse, boundary issues with in-laws and alcohol and drug addiction Gestalt therapy views the couple as a system. I assist the couple to become aware of how they are communicating with each other by looking at their "system" of communication. I assist the couple to identify any "stuck" areas in the way they relate to each other. This gives the couple the opportunity to go beyond any initial anger and experience hopefully once again feelings of intimacy The couple receives positive communication skills to tackle issues that may occur in the future
Throughout my career, I have worked with families that are experiencing a variety of challenges including divorce, military life, foster care, parenting ,child development and emotional issues Initially I meet with the parents to determine the issues that need to be addressed. Family, couple, child or adolescent therapy are utilized to assist the family.