LPC, 26 years of experience
New to Grow
Hello and WELCOME! I am happy you have chosen to take this journey. I have been working in the field for 26 years, 17 of those with first responders and military. Much of my work has focused on the strength and resiliency of my clients and how to navigate the healing process. I thoroughly enjoy my work and honor the uniqueness in each individual. I feel this work is more of a calling than a career which creates a committment to the level of care I try to provide.
I know this can often be a time of stress and anxiety when starting out counseling so outside of the mandatory reviews of documentation, I think you can look forward to a casual discussion of what therapy might look like for you, how you would like it to proceed, and what brings you into session. It is more of an introduction of you to me and me to you......time for you to gauge whether or not I would be a good fit for you in your journey.
I am someone who is naturally very supportive, and like to use humor when possible in our work. I engage easily with others and I know that this can often be a point of stress when starting out, but I do like to hear peoples stories and share honest and transparent knowledge when needed. I believe in the power of resiliency and the power of relationships, both of which I like to establish with my clients.
I cannot pinpoint one or two characteristics because we all are so unique in our own ways.......however it is rewarding to work with those who are serious and come to counseling with a strong committment.
I use a trauma informed approach in therapy when treating PTSD, mood disorders and other client difficulties. This approach focuses on building a safe space for clients to discuss and process sensitive and often difficult topics. Safety is not only physical but emotional and this is built through my core beliefs of trust and transparency. Sometimes this relationship takes time, but overall it is one of the most powerful tools to manage symptoms. I use the TI approach when working within systems such as families, couples and support systems as this increases a clients network while navigating the healing journey. It is important in the TI approach to recognize diversity, honor diversity, and address how diversity can influence the way in which we view symptomology. Overall, the trauma informed approach allows me to support and promote healing with my clients in a way that recognizes the complexities of each unique individual while working through very difficult issues.