LCSW, 6 years of experience
I believe that every person is a light in this world, and in order to heal from pain and suffering we must discover our inner strength, inherent worth, and greater purpose. Everyone is subject to the same universal challenges in life. Some of these include meeting our needs in a competitive society, discovering who we are, understanding the meaning of our lives, and coping with change. When stress becomes overwhelming, and when life becomes a struggle, this is the time to reach out for help. My approach to helping clients is very much influenced by humanistic psychology. Understanding the nature and dynamics of suffering is important, but I believe my most important task as a therapist is to help clients learn strategies for regaining wellness and fulfilling their potential. In my role as a therapist I incorporate counseling techniques that are based on cognitive-behavioral theory, polyvagal theory, psychodynamic therapy, and dialectical theory. I have over 10 years of experience working with clients in different roles. Before working in private practice, I worked as an outpatient therapist for a community mental health clinic during the COVID-19 Pandemic, as a college counselor. While pursuing my graduate degree, I worked in the child welfare field for abuse/neglect courts. Prior to graduate school, I worked as a tobacco cessation specialist in the public health field, where I facilitated support groups for clients with nicotine addiction. My journey into the helping professions started in 2005 when I began working as a certified nursing assistant and caregiver for clients with developmental disabilities and the elderly. For many years, I have been motivated to help and heal others. Thank you for reading about my personal counseling philosophy. I am looking forward to working with you!
Your first session will include plenty of time for us to get to know each other and to explore your reason for seeking counseling. The first session usually includes questions about your personal history, mental and health history, as well as any stressors you are currently facing. I have all clients complete a short risk assessment and support plan we we begin working together as well.
Due to my background in social work, I view most problems with a "systems" lens, which means looking at a person's heritage, culture, social identity, and conditions in the larger society in which they live to identify contributing factors to their mental health symptoms and opportunities for solutions.
I specialize in working with adults ages 18 and older. As part of my practice I request release of information for my client's medical provider so that I can coordinate mental health care with any prescriber you are working with. Thank you for understanding!
I have over six years of experience providing therapy to individuals with a variety of mental health challenges using a variety of evidence-based treatments including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention therapy, as well as EMDR and IFS informed therapy. I specialize in treating trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders and am a Certified Trauma Professional.