LCSW, 33 years of experience
I am here for you. As a seasoned Therapist, I understand that embarking on the therapy journey can be scary and bring up numerous feelings. This is "your time" to explore, take risks, sit quietly and lead in whatever way feels most comfortable for you. I do not believe that there is one way to do therapy. If you have difficulty starting to tell your story, I may ask you questions to get to know you. I understand that just as I am getting to know you, you are getting to know me. We are mutually exploring "our fit."
During our first session, we will go over the Intake Form together. I will go over the GAD-7 and the PHQ-9 with you. I will explain my policies and will give you time to ask me any questions you may have. I will explain my policy in case of an emergency along with my no-show policy. After we both feel we have sufficiently covered the basic contract of our relationship, I will ask you to tell me your story, what brings you into therapy today or any other item you feel the urgency to discuss. After we have completed our time together, we will schedule another session.
I feel that my greatest strengths as a provider are the many years of experience I have in the therapy environment. I am aware that any relationship, including the Therapy relationship is based on trust in the Therapist and that my earning your trust takes place over time. This is "your therapy' so I will check in with you to see how you feel the therapeutic relationship is going. Do you feel heard, understood and feel that this is a good fit? Another strength I bring is my vast understanding of the medical field as I have worked in the medical field for 15+ years. I understand how to negotiate the healthcare system and assist you in obtaining the best medical care possible.
I enjoy working with people who are going through life transitions; going from single to partnered, leaving a relationship from partnered to single, starting a new career, having a child, figuring out their sexual identity or end-of-life issues. In addition, I have 15 years of experience in the Oncology field so dealing with illness is an area of specialty I feel confident in.
Attachment based Therapy aligns well with my training in Psychodynamic Theory. However, it allows one to investigate their own attachment style across a multitude of relationships. In addition, it has become popular as a dating theory in the past 20 years. I use this Theory to explore early childhood relationships, as well as to tailor it to current relationships.