Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who earned a Master of Social Work degree from East Carolina University (2013). My therapeutic approach is rooted in psychodynamic approach, and I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapies, which allow me to help my clients gain deeper insight into themselves, the underlying issues contributing to their personal, professional, or relational challenges with the goal of achieving and maintaining happiness, growth and contentment in life. I view therapy as a collaborative partnership—one where we work together not only to explore and understand the possible root causes of distress, but also to discover the often-hidden strengths that can foster resilience, growth, and meaningful change.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions and you hopefully sharing, to your comfort level, with me the issues that brought you to therapy. Of course, there is information that must be gathered, but I want you to feel heard and understood and ultimately feel comfortable with the process of therapy. Deciding to engage in therapy can be a difficult decision to make and I want to begin the process of building trust and a therapeutic relationship as soon as reasonably possible. Additionally, this will help us create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My time as a therapist has helped me to appreciate that we all not only want, but need to feel listened to, not judged and understood. I've been told that I'm a good listener and my clients feel comfortable working with me. With that being said, I focus on listening to what my clients say and sometimes more importantly what's not being said. I work to quickly understand the issues that my clients are often struggling with and at times, humor, empathy and even therapeutically challenging my clients are utilized to help my clients also gain insight and awareness into what's working and what areas need more attention.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I personally enjoy helping clients who struggle with anxiety, depression and relationship issues. I find joy in working with these clients, because helping people work through issues such as these often leads to relief, happiness and the path to engaging in life that some avoided or thought was no longer possible.