Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in MD (initial license), and been licensed in 8 other states (AZ, CO, ID, NE, NV, VA, UT, WI), actively practicing for 16 years, helping adults with anxiety, self-esteem, anger issues, gaining coping skills and strategies, discussing different perspectives and insights toward self, relationships with others, and their situations. I have been working with adults with existential crises, issues with motivation, and communication challenges effectively. Additionally, I like working with older adults and adults who are going through phase of life changes. Right now, I am pursuing a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and doing externships for neuropsychology and therapy. I'm interested in helping older adults and assessing mild cognitive impairment and dementia. ***Due to my externship hours, my availability is extremely limited and subject to change frequently. If you feel that I could be a good fit for you but scheduling was a problem, please reach out to me; we can explore options. I apologize for the inconvenience.
I focus on establishing a therapeutic working relationship. I try to understand your lived experiences and perspective and would like to identify what you want to accomplish in therapy (by talking to a therapist). Also, I talking about your presenting symptoms through neurological health and physical health as I believe in integrated care. Most importantly, therapy progress happens when you do something different between sessions. I talk about what you did through the lens of therapy methods listed, encouraging you to gain insight and in tough with your physical and emotional being.
I have worked in many different settings and helping diverse clients in different states in my 16-year career. I have worked with clients at outpatient programs, inpatient programs, including correctional facilities, working with multidisciplinary staff (medical staff, facility staff, administrative staff), assisting law enforcement as a crisis volunteer/victims advocate, crisis on call, risk assessment clinician, refugees, children to older adults, both men and women. With that said, I can offer a therapeutic environment where clients can feel comfortable discussing challenging issues. I am also good at pointing out different perspectives and objective views and providing a clearer picture of what you are experiencing in your environment and past if it is appropriate. I often integrate such information with your treatment goals and your strengths.
I help clients with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ACT, CBT, DBT). What I feel most comfortable utilizing is the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approach (ACT), focusing on here and now, mindfulness, examining value system of clients, acceptance, and committed actions (and others; we can discuss in therapy session if you are interested!)
The foundation of my therapy approach is existential psychotherapy concepts. I explore clients’ worldviews to find meanings and purpose and gain new insights. I focus on the interpersonal functions and therapeutic relationship, choices, responsibilities, and self-awareness.
I believe that treating our mental health related issues needs to be looked at in a bigger picture. In other words, we cannot treat and improve our mental health conditions and behaviors without considering other aspects of ourselves, such as physiological issues, medications, lifestyle, eating habits, and most importantly, brain functions and health. I am open to communicating with clients' PCPs or psychiatrists, or other healthcare providers clients may have regarding clients' conditions. I discuss clients' health from an integrated perspective and would like to communicate with clients' providers with clients' permission.
If clients have a limit in therapy sessions or prefer to having a short but productive therapy encounters, I will see if it is something appropriate for your needs first, but I have experienced in utilizing solution focused brief therapy; we work together to make it happen.