I'm a social worker with over 45 years of experience with children, adolescents, families, couples and adults. I find that people get the best results when we look at their lives as a whole -- physical, emotional, intellectual, what many people call spiritual (your most deeply held beliefs and values, however you define them), and socially, as a member of your community (as you define that.) I have training and experience in a variety of treatments which are evidence-based. I can also do dreamwork and art therapy if this is something that is appealing to you, but I have to say up front that these, while very well known, do not have the same degree of corroboration as evidence-based practices. I have worked since the late 70s with survivors of trauma: physical abuse, neglect, sexual assault, and combat trauma. It has been one of the great honors of my life to have received the trust of so many who have endured trauma, and to have been a part of their healing.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, I will try to get a broad view of what your life is like and as much of your history as we have time for. We will talk about your goals for therapy and how to achieve them. In future sessions, while there may be a crisis that has occurred and needs our attention, we will also look at underlying factors that may be causing distress in your life.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strength is an ability to notice and resolve patterns of thought, emotions and behaviors which may not be apparent, as these can lead to repeated stress in a client's life. I see the best in people, in an atmosphere of unconditional positive regard. I enjoy working with children and they enjoy working with me. I've had a broad range of experience in my time as a clinical social worker -- outpatient, inpatient, adults, adolescents, young kids, rural, urban, etc. -- and make that breadth of practice available to all my clients.