Hi. I’m Christine. It might feel uncomfortable to think of yourself in counseling. Depression can tank motivation. Maybe you're up-in-my-face motivated like a Schnauzer I know with the mail guy. In any case, the change process can require more than shaking the Magic 8-Ball or Stevie Nicks’ tour schedule. If you are too young for those references, I still have your back. You've figured out social media, friends, and even your family don't have all the answers. I don't either, but my job is to help your thoughts not sound like bullies. I will help you authentically connect with improved relationship skills, and I will teach emotional regulation strategies, so your body doesn't feel like it’s being driven by, well, a Schnauzer. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a background in journalism, gardening, and photography. I am passionate about creating habitats for local wildlife and believe one's relationship with the natural world is impactful to their level of overall wellness. I want to like Avocado toast, but I really, really don't. I took my first Improv Theater class recently, dig spoken-word poetry, and enjoy creative writing.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
You can expect that I will provide you new ways of seeing yourself and your challenges. I will gather a detailed psychosocial history of you, get to the nitty-gritty, and allow you to reveal things at your own comfort level. After we’ve worked together for a while, I will help you see your own progress based on these factors: your self-report, my observations, and assessment scores. I will highlight your strengths, collaborate on treatment goals, and help you reach them with weekly objectives. I am the nonjudgmental helper with clinical training. I will tell you what’s what, listen, or in some cases refer you to a provider that better meets your needs. Our work together is always meant to leave you better off, but therapy can feel like work sometimes. I'll be the support as you navigate tough stuff and help you build that support system with others.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Healing life’s wounds stirs emotions, but I am good at helping clients feel comfortable in session. I do my part to create a therapeutic alliance where it’s okay to joke and speak frankly. I consider the multiple demographics in which you fall, but I recognize you gain from using an individual and collective perspective as needed. I resonate well with clients, love diving into research on my clients’ particular needs, and seek feedback from clients regularly. I fully recognize being a vocal advocate for social justice issues as well as striving for an ever-expanding awareness takes intentional effort. I relish learning ways to better assist my clients.