Feeling trapped in a cycle of negative thoughts and behaviors that impact your life, career, or relationships? Eager to enhance your mental well-being and reach your full potential? Experiencing anxiety, depression, or communication difficulties? I understand how you feel, and I'm here to help you discover the tools that best suit your life, so you can get back on track and achieve your goals. The fact that you're reading this shows you're ready for change. My path to becoming a licensed clinical social worker was like a Choose Your Own Adventure book – full of twists and turns, ups and downs, and a whole lot of unexpected detours. But hey, isn’t that what makes life interesting? It all started with a rough childhood that left me with a lot of trauma, but also a deep well of empathy. Joining the Army helped me build my self-esteem and confidence, but it was working as an addiction therapist that really showed me my true calling. I worked to achieve a BS in Psychology and a Master's in Social Work and earned my LCSW following my schooling. From there, I worked with dementia clients and became a Certified Dementia Practitioner, engaged with families and couples and became trained in EMDR and a Family Centered Treatment Supervisor to break generational trauma and improve communication. And now, as a certified sex therapist, I’m helping couples tackle the thought of sex being "taboo" and normalize sex issues, preferences, and lifestyles. Life is a journey, and I’m just along for the ride! If you’re thinking about working with me, first of all, you should know that I truly believe that my clients are the experts of their own lives. I respect your knowledge, experiences, and opinions, and I’m here to support you in achieving your goals, whatever they may be. That being said, I’m not one to shy away from a challenge. If you ask me to push you outside your comfort zone, I’m more than happy to oblige. And if I sense that you might be holding back, I’m not afraid to gently nudge you to explore those difficult emotions. Of course, I’ll always do it with empathy and compassion – I’m not here to judge or criticize. In fact, I believe that humor can be a powerful tool in the therapeutic process. When appropriate, I’ll use humor to lighten the mood and help you feel more at ease. And sometimes, when the moment calls for it, I’ll use silence as a therapeutic tool. This gives you the space and time to process your thoughts and feelings without interruption or distraction. So, if you’re ready to take that next step in your personal growth and healing, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
As a therapist, my goal is to provide clients with the tools, strategies, and insights they need to navigate their personal challenges and improve their mental wellbeing. Clients can expect to gain a deeper understanding of their emotions, behaviors, and thought patterns. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients can openly express their feelings and concerns. We explore these feelings and identify their roots, which often leads to increased self-awareness and self-compassion. I aim to empower clients to take an active role in their mental health journey. We work on setting realistic, achievable goals for therapy and beyond. I believe in the resilience and strength of each individual and work to cultivate these qualities in our sessions.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I utilize evidence-based therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), or mindfulness-based practices, tailored to the individual's needs and preferences. These strategies can help clients respond more effectively to life's challenges and improve their overall quality of life.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have strong active listening skills to ensure I truly understand my clients' feelings and perspectives, fostering a safe and non-judgmental environment. My empathy and compassion are crucial in establishing trust and rapport with my clients, promoting a therapeutic alliance that is crucial to the healing process. I also have excellent problem-solving skills, helping clients identify, challenge, and change unhelpful thought patterns or behaviors. I have a deep understanding of human behavior, emotions, and various therapeutic models, which allows me to tailor interventions to individual client needs. My patience and resilience equip clients to navigate challenging therapeutic processes and provide consistent support to them.