Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Pennsylvania with a Master's in Social Work from Howard University. For the past 12 years, I have been providing mental health services in various clinical settings to a diverse client panel. For all individuals, I believe it is critical to look at the whole person, considering the mind-body connection and their environment when engaging in therapeutic services. I practice from a strengths-based perspective to rally the inner resourceful champion within us all. I aim to assist clients with reaching their goals by providing a safe, non-judgmental place to talk about fears, concerns, and barriers that may interfere with their quality of life.
In our first session, I’ll warmly welcome you and focus on building a rapport through active listening and empathy. I invite you to share the stressors that brought you to therapy, so I can truly understand your experience. Together, we’ll explore these concerns and identify specific goals. This collaborative discussion will help lay a solid foundation for your journey toward healing and growth.
I believe my greatest strengths as a provider lie in my ability to build strong, trusting relationships with clients, recognizing that this foundation is crucial for effective therapy. I utilize evidence-based interventions tailored to each individual's unique needs, ensuring that our work together is grounded in proven methods. Additionally, I prioritize a person-centered approach, empowering clients to take an active role in their treatment and fostering a sense of ownership over their healing journey. This combination creates a supportive environment where clients feel understood and motivated to make meaningful changes.
It is imperative to help clients understand how their thinking processes can impact their behaviors and moods. Through utilizing CBT techniques, I help patients learn skills that can assist with cognitive restructuring to challenge negative thoughts, behavioral activation to encourage engagement in positive activities, and mindfulness to enhance awareness. This technique is utilized for various issues like anxiety and depression.
Grief therapy is a supportive approach that helps individuals navigate the emotional pain of loss, whether due to death, divorce, or other significant life changes. It focuses on processing feelings of sadness, anger, and confusion, often using techniques like storytelling, memory work, and expressive arts. The goal is to help individuals find meaning in their loss, facilitate healing, and encourage healthy coping strategies.
Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma on individuals and emphasizes a safe, supportive environment. It involves understanding trauma's effects on behavior and mental health, promoting trust, empowerment, and collaboration. The ultimate aim is to create healing spaces where individuals feel respected and understood, fostering resilience and recovery.
Solution-focused treatment is a brief therapeutic approach that concentrates on identifying and amplifying solutions rather than delving deeply into problems. It encourages clients to envision their desired future and explore past successes to generate strategies for change. The ultimate goal is to empower individuals by highlighting their strengths and resources, fostering a positive path forward.
Compassion-focused therapy emphasizes cultivating self-compassion and empathy towards oneself and others, particularly in the context of addressing feelings of shame and self-criticism. It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help individuals develop a kinder inner dialogue and emotional resilience. The ultimate aim is to foster emotional healing and well-being through a compassionate mindset.