Hello. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor based in Illinois. I have worked in a variety of settings such as outpatient services, psychiatric inpatient units, residential treatment centers, specialized foster care therapy, and long-term nursing home care for the severely mentally ill over the past 15 years. I assist clients from adolescents to adults redefine themselves according to their strengths, overcome uncomfortable emotions, handle difficult situations, and enhance relationship skills.
In typical first sessions, introductions occur and reasons for therapy are explored. This is taken at a client's pace until a sticking point is discovered or avoidance is detected.
Given that i have worked with a diverse clientele in a variety of settings, I am significantly non-judgmental which creates a sense of safety during sessions. I am not fearful of confronting a client's avoidance for their own benefit and growth. At times, I can utilize humor for toning down a session if too intense.
I am a certified DBT therapist and have utilized these skills for over a decade. It will be used to assist clients with managing difficult feelings, relationship issues, and impulsive behavior.
Clients' attachment styles will be evaluated for use in handling relationship issues (parental, romantic, marital, friendships etc.).
A client's identified perceptions that are not factually based will be compared to an evidenced based though distortion list for ways to alter these thought patterns.
A client's sense of purpose and meaning will be a pillar of a strengths-based approach.
Each person explains their experiences to themselves in the past, present, and future. Personal narratives are examined and potentially altered to enhance a client's outlook, accept the past, and experience each present moment as it is.