LCSW, 22 years of experience
Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug counselor. I am located in New Jersey. I have been in practice for 12+ years as a therapist and have another 10+ years as a case worker and administrator. Outside of my practice, I am married and have two children. I enjoy travel and running and often try to weave an overall concept of fitness=wellness into my work.
In our first session we will spend some time discussing anything you find important about yourself. I try to get to know "you", not just the identified problem. I think discussing things like family, hobbies, pets, faith and even what you like to eat helps tailor a plan that is personalized. After you think we have hit the important things about "you" we will outline and define the issue that brought you to therapy and craft a strategy that feels right for you!
I focus on finding solutions that are useful for my clients, not just a one size fits all session. I am open to supporting clients in this process in a patient and empathetic way. I have found that when individuals come to therapy and are willing to focus on the change and work between session, not just the sessions, have the best results! I'll work with you to make that effort worth the work.
I enjoy working with men who struggle with expressing their feelings and often resort to keeping themselves closed off or angry. I understand they often want to change but lack tools and the guidance to take the actionable steps. I also work with teens and younger adults that are experiencing substance abuse and misuse issues by providing information and strategies toward sobriety.
I utilize the ABCD method formalized by Albert Ellis to bring awareness and insight to my client. This allows the client to reduce and dismantle unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors allowing for irrational thoughts to lessen.
As a social worker, strength based assessment and focus is a foundation. By identifying and leveraging strengths progress can be achieved.