LPC, 11 years of experience
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC). My general approach to therapy is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. Additionally, I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. My practice has been focused on helping clients deal with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, the LGBTQ+ community, and PTSD. I also have an extensive background in substance use disorder. I work primarily with adults over the age of 18, and selected teens.
Clients should expect a very relaxed approach to therapy with me. I am here to help guide them to a better place in their lives. During the first session I listen but I also ask questions to help me understand the needs of the client. Together the client and I determine the issues that need to be the primary focus. It is also a time for me to get to know the client, but also for them to get to know me. Establishing a strong therapeutic relationship is important, and it begins with the first session.
I am personable, calm, and encouraging. I listen to the client without interruption, encouraging them to share what they are dealing with. I encourage my clients to trust that I have their best interests at heart and can provide guidance and comfort during their time with me. I don’t judge. Every client is unique in their own way and that makes their needs special. Helping the client find a new path in their life is what is most important.
I enjoy working with clients who are prepared to learn new techniques to overcome their primary issues. I also enjoy expanding beyond a client's primary reasons they come to therapy and helping them "fine-tune" their lives. Most of my practice has focused on adults 18 years and up, and I have worked with teens as well. My work with adults includes anxiety, substance use, marriage and other relationships, gender-affirming, PTSD, and parenting issues. I have worked with teens suffering from anxiety and social issues with great success.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a way to help clients address their individual issues that are creating life-altering problems. I use CBT to help client address the trauma that may be attached to their issues and help them learn to let go of the trauma in their life.
Working with trauma patients we attempt to understand the trauma the patient experienced and then learn tools and techniques to overcome the emotional connection that remains to the trauma. So that the patient may be released from that connection.
Helping clients work through the grieving process they may be experiencing in their lives through discussion and learn tools to understand how grief works and how to overcome it.