So professionally I am a LMHC and most of my work has been in the community mental health setting, meaning I have had a broad range of experiences working with everyone from children to older adults. I have worked mostly with those struggling in addiction, but again because of my background I have worked with families and couples, as well as those struggling with thoughts of suicide and those with serious mental illness. For me the most important part of a therapy, is the therapeutic relationship. If we can connect well and build trust and safety in our relationship that is what opens the door to making meaningful changes and finding healing. Personally, I think it is important that you at least know a little bit about me. After all you are trusting part of yourself to me as your therapist, so I think it is only fair that you have at least some understandings of who I am. I am a gay, married, cis-gender man. I have a biological daughter that is a preteen and an adopted son who is a teen. My husband is a licensed social worker, so marital arguments between two therapists is always really fun haha. I also am a Christian, but I am very progressive in my theology and accepting of ALL belief systems. I came out of and have recovered from some fundamental Christianity. I live in Fort Wayne Indiana and I am excited to get to more about you and what is important to you!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first session is not going to focus on treatment. The first session is all about orientation. I want to make sure that we are on the same page before we ever move into treatment. That is creating space for you to ask questions, going over and ensuring we are clear on informed consent, privacy rules, what sessions will look like and what to expect going forward and of course just getting to know one another a bit better. I want to make sure that by the end of the first session we both feel like this is a good fit and you are comfortable with moving forward in treatment with me as your therapist.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have been told that people generally feel very safe with me and that I have a very non-judgmental stance. I am very patient and calm, so if you are feeling very stressed or high strung, my personality is usually a good grounding element. I really try to be intentional about the time we have together and stress that this is YOUR time and we work collaboratively together. I will regularly check in with you to see if you feel like things are going well, that what we are doing is helpful and get your feedback if there is something you think could be better or more helpful.