In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In your first session with me you can expect a blend of professional clinical assessment and spiritual grounding. This initial meeting is primarily about information gathering and building a foundation of trust, rather than achieving immediate breakthroughs. What to Expect A Welcoming Environment: You will be met in a safe, non-judgmental space designed to make you feel at ease while discussing sensitive topics like addiction and mental health. Clinical Assessment: Expect detailed questions regarding your substance use history, mental health symptoms, medical background, and current life stressors. Faith Integration: You may be asked about your personal relationship with God, your spiritual history, and how you currently lean on your faith for strength. This may include a brief opening or closing prayer if you are comfortable. Goal Setting: Together, you will begin mapping out a personalized treatment plan. This includes setting "SMART" goals for both immediate concerns (like reducing substance use) and long-term spiritual and emotional health. Logistics and Boundaries: Your counselor will explain essential practicalities such as confidentiality, session frequency, and scheduling. How to Prepare Reflect on Your Goals: Think about what specific changes you hope to see in your life and faith. Gather Information: Be ready to discuss your history of substance use and any past mental health treatments. Prepare Questions: You are encouraged to ask about your counselor’s beliefs, their experience with dual diagnosis, and what their specific therapeutic process looks like. Come as You Are: There is no need to put on a "better self mask." Honesty about your current struggles is the most important step toward healing.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strengths as a counselor are helping my clients feel comfortable, heard and respected. I also place great importance on practicing empathy, care and compassion within the therapeutic relationship to truly help clients address and resolve the struggles they are facing and to become free to be all God created then to be.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I help individuals who are navigating the complex intersection of substance abuse and mental health challenges (often referred to as co-occurring disorders). My practice is ideally positioned to serve clients who are ready to engage in a holistic treatment process to address both concerns simultaneously. My ideal clients typically exhibit the following characteristics: Clients' Concerns and Struggles Dual Diagnosis: They struggle with co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or trauma-related issues alongside substance use disorders involving alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medications. Cycles of Relapse: They often find themselves in a frustrating cycle where untreated mental health symptoms trigger substance use, which, in turn, exacerbates their mental health challenges. Functional Impairment: Their struggles are significantly impacting their daily lives, including relationships, employment, or academic performance. Clients' Mindset Readiness for Change: They possess a fundamental desire to change and are willing to put in the necessary work, even when it's challenging. They are "contemplators" or "preparers" in the stages of change model. Openness to Integrated Care: They understand the interconnectedness of their mental health and substance use and are open to an integrated, evidence-based treatment approach. They may be more comfortable in individual/one-on-one therapy rather than group therapy. Willingness to Be Vulnerable: They are ready to engage in self-reflection, explore underlying issues, and be honest about their experiences. Hopeful: Despite past setbacks, they hold a degree of hope that recovery is possible with the right support and tools.