I have always been fascinated by how people work. As a child I loved learning about how the body works. As I got older my focus shifted to how minds work and how people function in this world. My education centered around mental health how to help people with their problems. I have an MS in Life Span Development and an Med in Counselor Education, both from Purdue University and am now a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Ohio. I enjoy gardening, traveling and learning new things. I am an optimist. My general way of relating to people is one of listing intently enough to be able to see things from their point of view, and to show respect, warmth, and humor. I believe that establishing a strong, supportive relationship is of utmost importance in therapy. Respect and honesty are essential for effective therapy. Together we can solve problems and improve bad situations.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first session is likely to be primarily a get-acquainted session, where I ask about counseling goals, problem areas, and background. Either toward the end of the first session or second session I suggest ways of tackling issues and make assignments of practicing those new ways. After that we will talk about how things are going and additional techniques of dealing with problem areas.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I tend to favor Cognitive Behavioral approaches in therapy, but am quite capable of adjusting my therapeutic process to the method best suited for the problems at hand.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My 30+ year career has found me working with people with anxiety and depression issues, as well as the incredible stresses due to life circumstances. I have been able to help clients who have found themselves with personality or impulse control issues. I encourage clients to maximize the benefit of religious beliefs as well as positive social relationships.