LCSW, 16 years of experience
Do you feel like you are carrying a one hundred-pound weight on your back, that you have no interest in anything and that all you want to do is sleep? Are you living with feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness? Are you more irritable than usual? Are you more anxious than you used to be? Do you have a hard time focusing? Do you feel like giving up? Therapy is a process of exploring these thoughts, feelings, as well as behaviors and relationship patterns. This happens in a trusting relationship with a trained professional, such as myself, who is invested in helping you feel better. The decision to begin therapy isn’t always an easy one. It’s common to feel unsure. Sometimes we hope things will get better on our own. Perhaps there are concerns about sharing your most private thoughts. Or worried about being judged. It takes strength, rather than weakness, to ask for help. You’ve taken the first step, to a better you!
Your first session with me will be different from future visits. The initial visit is a period for you and I to get to know each other and get an idea of how to proceed. Future visits will be more therapeutic in nature. For example, in your second session, you may explore a specific symptom, problem, or past trauma you mentioned in the first session. Keep in mind that therapy usually requires multiple visits, so instant solutions for your problems on the first day are unlikely. Therapy is about equipping you with life-long solutions and not a quick fix. During the first session, I may ask you: * What are your symptoms? * What brought you to therapy? * What do you feel is wrong in your life? * Some questions about your history, including your childhood, education, relationships (family, romantic, friends), your current living situation, and your career
I have had broad and diverse exposure to a variety of mental health conditions including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, mood and personality disorders, relationship issues, ADHD and those struggling with major life transitions.
I believe that everyone has the innate capacity to heal, and to make positive changes in their lives. My aim is to help you regain emotional balance. Whether it be finding relief from depression; to lessening anxiety; dealing with stress, building greater self-confidence, or managing other stressors. I work collaboratively with you in developing goals that facilitate growth and sustained stability.
My clients are women who are motivated and open-minded. They are optimistic about their potential for change. And demonstrate resilience and commitment to their healing process.