New to Grow
Hi there! I'm probably not much different from you. Trying to navigate life's rough moments. Wishing and holding on to dreams and aspirations - feeling disappointed or defeated when they slip away or seem consistently out of reach. Universal human traits and needs may seem cliche, but I've come to discover that it is reflected in all of us. My experience as a therapist has helped many people gain fundamental insights into themselves and realize that we're not that much different [some just wear better masks!]. It has also helped me to recognize why it can be difficult to breakout of feeling perpetually stuck. Sometimes my clients mirror myself and it can be a humbling but meaningful experience. One of my strengths is humor -very underrated! I like to sprinkle that into my work when possible as it helps to balance the heaviness of life. I don't always hide behind my therapist role - I share my experiences to help build connection, to normalize, and highlight that no matter who you are, we're likely seeking something similar from and for ourselves.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
First sessions tend to be heavy with information and life history dumps. That's completely ok. I want to get to know whatever you feel comfortable sharing. I will also map out an outline of how our time together can go and encourage you to take a hands-on approach throughout this process. I will probably leave you with one or two "take home" questions. You don't need to have the answers immediately, but it's to encourage and motivate you to take ownership of our work together.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I pride myself in being a humble and honest therapist. I'm not going to claim to be fully versed in all the numerous modalities [or whatever the new flavor of the month is!]. My approach is genuine and sincere, with the ultimate goal of helping you arrive at a much better place than when you began with me. Though CBT is at the core of my work, I can be eclectic and borrow a bit from other therapeutic perspectives. But no matter which orientation is used, my goal is to empower the strengths you posses and bring them out in a realistic manner. We're going to have ups and downs in our time together and that's ok - as long as you can understand the why, it will help you to move forward. I hope to guide you through the occasional messiness of life, share in your wins and comfort through the setbacks.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
You're frustrated and annoyed because you feel stuck - whether it's a specific problem that seems to follow you or perhaps a general sense of uneasiness in life. If I'm your first [or one of many?] therapist -what's going to be different with me? I think that depends on what you truly and realistically you want to attain for yourself. Though I use a direct approach - often asking questions, prompts, and sometimes utilizing handouts/worksheets, I will move at your pace and comfort. However I can also challenge you when needed and call things out [I won't get parental on you, I promise!] to help you confront what's getting in your way. I will be your listener as needed but I won't just "yes" you to make you feel better. Therapy can be a mixed bag of emotions. I am happy to take that journey with you along all the highs and lows. I want our time to be meaningful and useful for you. If you are ready...I am here.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
The core of my approach centers around CBT. It's an effective approach to help identify internal barriers and narratives that can interfere with navigating the challenges faced. I will guide you through the process of overcoming and mitigating what's standing in your way. My approach is direct but within the pacing that's comfortable for you. I will guide you through each step as we utilize various CBT techniques to build insight that empowers healthy and meaningful change. My approach is dynamic and hands on while helping you to build comfort and confidence to access powerful vulnerability and develop the skills to navigate challenges effectively.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
Sometimes the struggles we face are compounded by how we interpret them based on our core beliefs of ourselves or of how things should be. REBT helps to identify such core beliefs and explain their relevance, why we tend to reinforce them and how they can exacerbate the problems experienced. REBT is within the family of CBT, therefore my approach will be similar as mentioned above.