(he/him)
Hi! I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC). I have been a therapist for 6 years, treating a multitude of individuals. My purpose as a therapist is to train and discipline others' minds through study, observation, and reflection. Using various therapeutic approaches, mingled with life coaching techniques, each tailored to the individual, my approach to treatment involves cognitive-behavioral, existential, and solution-focused therapy, with elements of Gestalt and narrative therapy. For younger clients, I use music, movies, and play therapy for treatment.
My focus in treatment is improving and sustaining the relationship between client and therapist. It is my goal to express deep and meaningful care for my clients by showing them support, coupled together with the ability to understand my client’s experience and emotions in the here and now.
I have the firm belief that we can control our thoughts and that our environment can influence our thoughts either positively or negatively. In my practical approach to treatment, I focus on the importance of understanding what individuals come in contact with and encounter day-by-day, in addition to their thoughts and symptoms they experience. I consider how they look at things and situations they encounter for a "holistic" approach.
My specialty is consistent with a license in Mental Health Counseling and experience of working with a large population, ranging from anxiety, autism, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, learning disabilities, oppositional and aggressive disorders, and stress.
Other specialties
Christian Counseling
Christian counseling is a therapeutic practice that aims to integrate an individual's faith and spirituality into the counseling process. This approach takes evidence-based therapeutic methodologies and evaluates them in light of scriptural teachings. The objective of Christian counseling is to aid individuals in addressing their emotional and psychological struggles while also enhancing their spiritual and religious well-being. The integration of Christian beliefs and practices into counseling involves a careful examination of the traditions and values of the Christian community. The counselor collaborates with the client to identify areas of distress or impairment in the individual's life and to develop a plan for addressing these concerns. The counselor will also help the client to identify and explore the role of faith and spirituality in their life, as well as to develop coping mechanisms that are consistent with their beliefs. To achieve these objectives, Christian counseling utilizes a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy, among others. These therapeutic approaches are evaluated in the context of the client's specific religious beliefs and practices, with the goal of developing an individualized treatment plan that is both effective and culturally appropriate.
Gestalt
Gestalt therapy is a humanistic, present-focused approach that emphasizes self-awareness, personal responsibility, and living in the "here and now." It encourages individuals to experience themselves as integrated wholes—mind, body, and emotions—rather than as separate parts. Techniques such as the empty chair are used to help clients confront unresolved feelings, increase awareness of immediate experiences, and notice nonverbal cues. Rather than focusing on past interpretations, Gestalt therapy aims to improve relationships and personal growth by bringing attention to what is happening in the present moment.
Faith based therapy
In my therapeutic practice, I integrate faith-based interventions alongside standard therapeutic approaches. This includes offering prayer, meditation, faith-centered discussions, and the use of relevant religious texts when appropriate and aligned with the client's beliefs and preferences. These elements are incorporated to support clients' spiritual well-being, foster a sense of hope and meaning, and enhance overall emotional and psychological growth. By weaving together evidence-based therapy and spiritual resources, I aim to create a holistic and supportive environment tailored to each individual's needs.
Reality Therapy
The reality therapy approach to counseling and problem-solving emphasizes the importance of present actions in building a better future. This approach encourages individuals to take responsibility for their choices and actions, empowering them to make positive changes in their lives. Through reality therapy, clients are encouraged to recognize that their behaviors and choices have consequences that impact their lives. By taking responsibility for their actions, clients are empowered to make positive changes and take control of their futures. The focus on present actions in reality therapy is intended to help clients identify and address their immediate needs and concerns. By focusing on the present, clients can develop the skills and strategies necessary to build a better future. Central to the success of reality therapy is the establishment of a strong therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist. The therapist works collaboratively with the client to identify goals, develop strategies, and monitor progress. The therapist provides support and guidance throughout the therapeutic process, empowering clients to take control of their lives and make positive changes.
Play Therapy
Play therapy is a therapeutic approach that utilizes play, which is a natural medium of expression for children, to help them communicate their feelings effectively. It provides children with a safe and supportive environment where they can express their emotions through toys, rather than words. Through play therapy, children can explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences in a non-threatening way. The use of toys, games, and other play materials allows them to express themselves freely without the pressure of having to find the right words to describe their emotions. The therapist's role in play therapy is to create a warm and accepting environment that encourages children to explore their feelings. The therapist provides support and guidance while allowing the child to take the lead in the play. Through this process, the therapist can gain insight into the child's emotions and experiences and help the child develop coping skills and strategies to address their challenges. Play therapy has been found to be effective in treating a range of emotional and behavioral issues in children, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and developmental disorders. It provides children with a safe and supportive space to work through their emotions, build self-esteem, and develop healthy coping skills.