I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Arizona. I received my Masters from Arizona State University and have been practicing for 5 years. I also specialize in communication skills and have a background in couple's therapy. I help clients to identify emotions and aspects of personal identity. My goal is to assist clients in discovering healthier coping skills and realistic ways to navigate stressful situations.
During the first session, my main goal is to make clients feel as comfortable as possible. I would gather some background information and get to know the client while also inquiring about the presenting concerns. This would provide the necessary information in order to set up for a treatment plan of therapeutic goals and ways of identifying progress. It is important to determine good fit and ability to form a strong therapeutic alliance with the client.
It is important for me to create and maintain a safe space where clients do not feel negatively judged. It takes time to build trust in order to be open with struggles, and I also want to actively listen to understand first and foremost. I can help clients to identify underlying causes of issues and behaviors without the pressure of a rushed timeline.
Romantic relationships can be both rewarding and challenging at the same time. I want to help couples towards healthier communication skills and ability to manage conflict effectively.
It can be beneficial to explore our thought processes and ways of viewing situations and problems. Negative or distorted thinking can affected our mindset, attitude, and behaviors.
It is important to take cultural background and perspective into account to thoroughly provide mindful and comprehensive therapy. Without deeper understanding of cultural components that can affect problems, proper solutions may be difficult to identify.
The Gottman Method has proved highly beneficial in providing insight into a couple's overall relationship, including aspects of commitment, trust, and conflict management.
It is important to me that clients feel safe enough to share their stories during sessions. This approach can also open up avenues of personal identity and connecting the dots across one's timeline.