LCSW, 25 years of experience
Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Florida. I attended undergraduate school at Florida State University and ultimately obtained my Masters from Florida International University. In my 25 years+ of experience, I have practiced in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers who served adults diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness, mood disorders and identity questions, as well as with teens and children struggling with peer relationships, academic pressures, depression, self esteem and family issues. I have extensive knowledge and experience with justice involved persons, including those with challenges of addiction, anger control and mental health diagnosis.
In our first session together, we will discuss your reasons for seeking assistance, explore your goals, perspectives and review the therapeutic process. This is our time to build rapport, address your initial concerns or questions and to start formulating a plan and steps toward overcoming challenges to develop healthier thoughts and behaviors.
I will create a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment so that you may feel comfortable in sharing your thoughts and feelings. You will find me to be authentic, open-minded, creative, reflective, humorous and insightful. We will work collaboratively to develop and enhance problem solving and coping skills. I have always had a true nature and investment in helping others.
I work with all individuals who struggle with mental health conditions, and those seeking insights into decision making, problem solving or overcoming creative blocks. My extensive experience with justice involved persons allows me to further assist those needing to gain an understanding into their behaviors, develop coping mechanisms and improve their ability to manage emotions and relationships.
We will work together engaging in structured, goal-oriented sessions which challenge any unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that may be affecting your emotions and well-being. Together, we will develop practical strategies to manage these emotions and behaviors in healthier ways.
As you are the expert of your own experiences, together we will identify and find solutions to current situations creating distress. We will build upon the strengths you already possess to create a positive outlook for the future. Together, we will focus on what is possible, and leave behind the impossible.
Together, we will work collaboratively to identify goals and develop plans that achieve positive changes. Focusing on your resilience, strengths and positive attributes, a greater sense of self worth, confidence, and motivation can be achieved enabling you to build a stronger relationship with yourself and others.
Our alliance will strengthen your ability to cope with stressors by providing encouragement and validation in identifying and utilizing the coping skills you already possess. Guidance and support will be provided in psychoeducation, the viewing of different perspectives toward challenging scenarios, and reframing negative thoughts and emotions. Collaboratively, we will identify and address specific problems and challenges.