LMHC, 23 years of experience
For more than two decades, I have dedicated my career to helping people navigate life's challenges with compassion, insight and practical solutions. I have been licensed as a mental health counselor in the state of Florida since 2002 and hold a master's degree in counseling from the University of South Florida. Over the years, I have worked in a variety of settings, from inpatient care, outpatient services, telehealth, and in-person private practice. My clinical experience covers a wide range of concerns including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, stress management, substance use disorders and caregiver burnout. I approach each client as a unique individual, tailoring my methods to fit your personality, history and goals. I feel an eclectic therapy approach is most helpful to ensure my clients have multiple tools to explore and apply to address their personal concerns. I believe counseling is a collaborative process and I value the trust my clients place in me. Seeking help is a courageous step and I strive to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, understood and supported. My mission is to help my clients identify and understand their struggles, discover their strengths and develop realistic, healthy solutions for lasting change. Whether you are navigating a major life transition, facing ongoing mental health challenges, or simply seeking greater clarity and balance, I am committed to walking alongside you every step of the way.
The initial session is the beginning of a therapeutic partnership. This is when initial intake paperwork will be completed or reviewed. This is a time for clients to begin to share their story and reasons for seeking therapy. During this session, I will begin to get to know you. You will not be encouraged to share anything you are not comfortable sharing. This is your counseling session, and we will go at your pace. During the initial session, we will discuss your goals for therapy and what you hope to achieve.
My strengths as a counselor are my compassion, empathy and intuitiveness that I bring to every counseling session. I am fully present and focused with each of my clients, creating a supportive environment where they feel seen, heard, and understood. I advocate for my clients' needs, remain invested in their growth, and prioritize their concerns when developing treatment plans and introducing coping strategies. My role as your counselor is to provide guidance, while empowering you to recognize your strengths and achieve meaningful progress toward treatment goals.
I am best able to serve clients who are motivated for change. They are ready and willing to work toward healthy growth. While changing life patterns may be difficult, it is also highly rewarding. It is important to recognize that change is not a linear process but at times a complex and uneven journey with setbacks and detours. I feel it is important for clients to be honest, communicative and willing to be vulnerable once trust is established.
The use of ACT therapy techniques help clients accept uncomfortable feelings they may be experiencing. ACT utilizes mindfulness practices to become more aware of feelings and emotions. Healthy coping strategies will be implemented by learning to respond to thoughts and feelings in a helpful and adaptive way. This treatment method is useful for individuals with anxiety, depressive symptoms, Substance use disorders and OCD.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to help identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors to improve mental health and quality of life. This modality involves challenging negative beliefs and replacing them with more realistic and helpful thought processes. With the use of CBT techniques, clients learn and practice healthy coping strategies to help change maladaptive behaviors and improve self-confidence and self-esteem. CBT can be used with a wide variety of clients to navigate multiple mental challenges and improve well-being.
Person-Centered Therapy aims to create a supportive and accepting environment where the client can explore their thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental environment. The therapist creates a safe and nurturing space for clients to talk openly about their experiences.
Solution Focused Therapy is a goal-directed collaborative approach to therapeutic change. Clients are encouraged to focus on changes they are able and willing to make. Short term goals and objectives are implemented to help improve self-esteem and self-confidence.