Congratulations for taking the step to seek counseling. The world we live in is increasingly complex, and we can find ourselves feeling disconnected, stressed, and uncertain about what direction to take. How do we identify solutions for our life’s challenges? How do we let go of stress and sleep at night? As a therapist, I have counseled with individuals and families for over ten years and have found that problem-solving does not have to be stressful, and that we can work through our toughest issues. It is common to believe that people in our relationships, or circumstances in our lives cause us to feel the way we do. But it is our thinking, and the way we relate to people and circumstances, that create our feelings and emotions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps us observe what we are feeling and identify the thoughts that create our feelings. With increased self-awareness, we determine which of our thoughts and perceptions are distorted and unhelpful. As our thinking becomes more realistic, we feel better. There are several therapy methods that are effective in creating positive change, including Narrative Therapy, Goal Setting, Visioning for Personal Growth, and Mindfulness to promote focus and attention. Let’s engage in a conversation to explore your individual needs, and how best to meet them.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
My clients have reported that they feel supported after completing a session, and experience lower levels of anxiety and stress. Many have increased their ability to manage anger, improve communication with family and friends, and have raised their level of self-esteem. Clients have expressed they have improved ability to view challenging situations clearly and respond to them in an effective way.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, identifying the core beliefs and thought schemas that create our feelings and emotional states. - Reality Therapy, client-centered form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on improving present relationships. - Narrative Therapy, allowing individuals to externalize their issues rather than internalize them. - Mindfulness, Observation of thoughts and feelings, bringing your attention back to the present moment and observing non-judgmentally. - Person Centered Therapy, clients lead the conversation with the therapist providing empathic, unconditional positive regard. - Reflective Listening Skills, cultivating empathy, compassion, letting go of resentments and anger. - Goal Setting and Visioning for personal growth.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I am an empathic listener and can provide non-judgmental feedback for my clients to facilitate the change they wish to create for themselves. We all strive for balance, order, and greater self-understanding in our lives. I work to promote understanding of distorted and unhelpful thoughts, allowing clients to respond to challenging life situations in effective ways.