I am Licensed Clinical social worker and have provided services for clients from 13 - 60 . I received my Masters in Social Work in 2000 and immediately began to work toward getting my license as an LCSW. In 2005, I received my license . I worked with adolescent teens for over 20 years and have also worked with parents, couples, and provided individual therapy to all age ranges and genders. I specifically enjoy working with trauma clients as their need to overcome and become empowered is so important to their life. I have experience in most mental health disorders and feel confident and competent to do therapy with all people. I provide a safe place that is warm and encouraging for my clients. I am non-judgmental, empathetic and understanding of the needs of my clients. I will always strive to be professional and ethical with my clients
The first session is a chance for you to feel comfortable with your therapist, and for the therapist to see if they have the skills and expertise to support you. It will include introductions, contracting, and a chance for you to tell your story and explain the problems you are experiencing. Of course we will discuss confidentiality, and consent.
I believe that I am empathetic, and have the skills to understand how to approach treatment. I believe I am easy to relate to and make clients feel safe and secure in their session. I strive to know the client and I am very self aware. I believe my ability to make the client feel heard and understood is a combination of my many strengths as a therapist. I have years of experience so I am very confident in my skills as a therapist. I will never stop growing as a therapist and want to stay on top of new interventions and new ways to help the clients.
I have experienced much success using CBT. I use CBT for many diagnosis , but it is especially significant for changes in mental health diagnosis of Anxiety and Depression. I encourage worksheets with this because I teach coping skills for dealing with different problems. I encourage my clients to focus on their thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and understand how this affects their feelings and actions. I am open to clients and accept them right where they are in their stage of change.
I use Attachment based therapy for clients struggling with past childhood experiences , trust, and maintaining positive relationships. I use this type of therapy with couples, families, adults and teens. Often clients do not know why they cannot foster lasting connections with people they love and this helps to understand what caused so much emotional pain in their lives and how to learn how to trust . It often takes time to change old habits , and understand they are worthy to be loved.
I use Trauma informed care to clients that are struggling with past trauma and it is affecting their daily functioning of life. I have experience and confidence in working with Trauma clients and have seen moderate improvement with clients. The 5 guiding principles are safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness , and empowerment. This seems to balance survivors of trauma and gives them hope in their future.
I have worked with many clients that have different backgrounds and belief systems. It is important as a therapist to understand as it relates to their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation. gender and any other aspects that make up someone's culture or identity. I am empathetic , non-judgmental and accepting of all people.