Hi! I am a licensed clinical social worker and therapist (LICSW) with 35 years of professional work experience based in West Virginia. I received my Masters degree at the University of Pittsburgh, and I have been practicing for thirty-five years. I have experience in helping clients with a myriad of issues, but especially stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & anger management, anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, as well as clients with substance use disorders. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
The first session begins with brief introductions and rapport building exercises. After this, I will usually help the clients come up with goals for their time with me, and will ask questions about the history and frequency of their issues at hand. From here, I will also help them put together a treatment plan designed to meet their needs in future sessions.
I feel that my greatest strengths include kindness, empathy and compassion. I am able to connect on an intimate level with my clients and help them to grow and develop in a positive manner within their lives. I hope that I can share my knowledge and my assets with my clients in the future.
Throughout my practice, I have found CBT to be an effective treatment for my clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety and PTSD. These skills, such as utilizing mindfulness, has been shown to be effective in managing symptoms and bettering their lives.
Throughout my practice, I have DBT for stress tolerance, radical acceptance and stress tolerance. For people who feel things intensely.
Throughout my practice, I have used mindfulness to keep the patient focused on the present moment. Everything from yoga to taking peaceful walks in the country.