LCSW, 7 years of experience
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) originally from just outside of New York City and currently live in San Diego. Working to support the mental health of others is truly my greatest honor. We are often programmed by our previous experiences, culture, and past trauma to believe a false narrative about ourselves. Utilizing the therapeutic alliance, I help clients to resolve negative, false, or limiting beliefs that may be hindering their ability to step into their true identities. We do not have to continue to live out the script that we inherited or feel the need to live in the shadows. Instead, we can live with intension, purpose, and a sense of gratitude.
You can expect to experience a sense of warmth, empathy, and a non-judgment approach. It is my goal to create an environment of safety and to promote growth for my clients. I have an innate ability to build relationships and to enable my clients to feel comfortable sharing openly. Historically, therapists came from a position of authority or as if they are all knowing. I reject this idea and often work alongside my clients to develop goals which suit the individual. I will utilize my expertise to carve out the most effective route to meet your goals.
My greatest strength as a provider is my ability to connect and make others feel heard. The art of active listening involves intently listening without any preconceived notions or bias. I want our sessions to feel like a partnership or collaboration. Therapy involves the "healing relationship" in which old patterns of behaviors and beliefs can be reframed through communication in a non-judgemental, compassionate environment. Our sessions will be a space for you to explore your own ideas and to modify those ideas which are no longer serving you.
I am best positioned to serve adult clients who struggle with managing life stressors and coping with interpersonal challenges. I believe that people operate at their best when they have a sufficient "why" to provide motivation and passion. I have a history of working with clients with addiction, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and providing couple's counseling. I utilize a variety of approaches including CBT, Logo-therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, and a psychoanalytic approach. Ultimately, therapy can not be productive if there is not a strong therapeutic alliance. I feel confident in building such an alliance and through this relationship; change is ultimately possible.
We are often plagued by negative thoughts and beliefs. Utilizing CBT, we can challenge negative thinking and fortify our minds to face challenges with more confidence.
I truly believe in my client's ability to internally regulate and effectively manage stress or challenging interpersonal relationships. Often we have areas of vulnerability or self-perceived "flaws." For instance, an individual may be conditioned to believe they are "too emotional" or "too sensitive." These qualities are often due to an individual's sense of empathy or ability to feel deeply for others. A strength-based approach highlights these important qualities and reframes "negative qualities" for the strengths that they truly are.