LCSW, 3 years of experience
New to Grow
Hello! I'm a white, queer, able-bodied cis-man who utilizes a variety of treatment modalities to best serve my clients. I'm a licensed clinical social worker and received both my Bachelors and Masters of Social Work from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. I use motivational interviewing, harm reduction, CBT, DBT and the Gottman Method to try and meet the needs of each client. I have a background in HIV case management, Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalization, Medical Social Work, Homeless shelter services and addiction. I like to be kind and supportive to my clients while also being honest and direct.
Prior to our first session I like to have a free 15 minute consultation. In that initial consultation I will provide an overview of the type of therapy I do, my availability and any specific questions you may have about the therapy process or the modalities I use. During our first session for individual therapy I will complete a biopsychosocial evaluation which will go over your medical and mental health history as well as other factors that give me a better picture of who you are. Usually at the next session we establish your goals for treatment and complete a treatment plan. For couples/relationship therapy I like to have the free 15 minute consultation to see if we are a good fit. The initial session I will meet with both/all of the partner/partners to do part of a initial assessment. I then will meet with each partner individually once to complete an individual assessment. For the final intake appointment I will then meet with both/all of the partners again to discuss the assessments and complete a treatment plan.
I believe my approach of kind but honest is one of my greatest strengths. I believe that while affirming and validating someone is one part of the therapy puzzle, so is honesty and accountability. I am empathetic and understanding while also direct. I provide a safe, non-judgemental space where my clients feel comfortable sharing what they are going through.
There are a variety of communities I like to serve! I love working with LGBTQ+ folx, people who identify as ENM/Poly, people in the kink community and people who use substances. I also enjoy seeing clients who don't identify in these communities. I enjoy working with folx around ADHD, anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship issues and life transitions. I provide trauma-informed care but I am not a trauma focused therapist. With couples/relationship therapy I enjoy working with folx who are looking to improve communication with their partner/partners and reduce conflict or arguments.
I have experience providing CBT in individual and group therapy. I like to provide coping skills to help clients manage and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. I am not strict in how I use CBT. There are clients that find this modality helpful and others that don't. I try to tailor how I treat clients to their individual needs.
I have experience using DBT in individual and group therapy. I love to teach and help clients practice DBT skills to help with managing anxiety, depression and ADHD symptoms. I believe DBT can be a helpful therapy modality in managing and alleviating mental health symptoms. Like CBT I understand that the structure of formal DBT is not for everyone. I like to tailor the way I go about treatment to each individual client.
I primarily use the Gottman Method during couples therapy but also will bring in some of these skills into individual therapy. I believe the Gottman Method is a great way of improving communication, reducing the number of conflicts and helping couples/relationship partners find better ways of understanding one another.
I utilize motivational interviewing to help clients identify what they want to change in their lives and how to get there. In motivational interviewing, I as the therapist am not the one telling you what to do but I help you explore your options, the possible outcomes and which choice you feel best accomplishes your desired goals.