As a seasoned therapist with over a decade of experience, I bring a unique perspective as a Marine Corps officer veteran. Specializing in trauma and substance abuse therapy, I am dedicated to helping clients overcome negative thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. My approach integrates mindfulness and motivation enhancement, creating a space for healing and personal growth. With a foundation of strength, love, and humor, I am committed to supporting individuals, couples, and families on their journey to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida.
In the first session, clients can expect a warm and welcoming environment where we establish a foundation of trust. We'll discuss their current challenges, goals, and explore how routines, exercise, and nutrition can be integrated into their healing journey. For those experiencing grief or trauma, we'll address the unique aspects of their journey, emphasizing a holistic approach to support their mental and physical well-being. Whether in individual or couples therapy, the focus is on creating a personalized roadmap for positive change, incorporating accountability measures to foster lasting well-being.
As your therapist, my approach draws inspiration from psychological giants like Freud and Adler, weaving together the wisdom of historical pioneers with modern therapeutic techniques like CBT. Informed by psychodynamic principles, our sessions will delve into the depths of your psyche, addressing underlying issues with the precision of a psychological surgeon. I bring the strength and discipline cultivated in the Marine Corps to create a safe space for exploration and growth. Think of me as a seasoned guide through the landscapes of your mind, integrating humor strategically to foster resilience as we embark on a journey that transcends both time-tested and contemporary therapeutic approaches.
When using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), it helps clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to distressing emotions or behaviors. They work collaboratively to develop healthier thought patterns and coping strategies, promoting positive changes in the client's mindset and behavior. CBT is structured, goal-oriented, and focuses on the present, aiming to empower individuals with practical tools for managing challenges.
In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), my therapist and I explore ways to accept and embrace difficult thoughts and feelings rather than suppressing or avoiding them. Together, we identify personal values and work towards aligning my actions with those values, fostering psychological flexibility. The goal is to enhance overall well-being by cultivating mindfulness, acceptance, and committed action in the face of life's challenges.
I, as an Adlerian counselor, collaborate respectfully with clients, exploring their subjective experiences and lifestyles to uncover underlying beliefs. Through encouragement, I highlight strengths, fostering empowerment and responsibility for personal growth. Using experiential techniques like role-playing, I guide clients in developing healthier coping strategies and adaptive behaviors. The goal is to create a positive therapeutic relationship that promotes insight and constructive change.
As a couples counselor employing an Adlerian approach, I establish a collaborative and respectful partnership with both individuals. By exploring their unique perspectives and early experiences, I help uncover underlying dynamics influencing their relationship. Using encouragement and highlighting strengths, I empower the couple to take responsibility for their growth. Utilizing experiential techniques such as role-playing, I guide them in developing healthier communication patterns and fostering positive interactions to strengthen their relationship.
As an existential therapist, I guide clients in a profound exploration of their individual existence and the meaning they give to their lives. Through a genuine and authentic therapeutic relationship, I encourage clients to confront the fundamental aspects of their existence, including freedom, responsibility, and the inevitability of death. Together, we delve into their values, choices, and personal meaning, fostering self-awareness and a more intentional approach to life. Employing phenomenological techniques, I help clients examine their subjective experiences, aiming to deepen their understanding of the existential challenges they encounter.