New to Grow
As a clinical social worker, I am independently licensed in Ohio and have more than 19 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with clients from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds who had various concerns including depression, anxiety, anger issues, traumatic experiences, moral injury, grief and loss, relationship and parenting issues to name a few. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment to meet your unique and specific concerns.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
It takes a lot of courage and strength to ask for assistance with our personal issues. If you are willing and ready to take the first step forward in your search for a more meaningful and fulfilling life, I am willing to provide the assistance, support and encouragement you might need while you are on this personal journey. During our first session together we will get to know each other, what your family situation is and what your personal expectations are for therapy. I look forward to getting to know you and working with you!
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I am a mature Social Worker who returned to college after several years of life experience. I was born and raised in western Canada and spent 2 years in South Africa as a Graphic Artist. After returning home, I met my husband, got married, moved to the USA, had children, got my American citizenship and completed my education. My life experience has been a beneficial asset while working as a Clinical Social Worker, identifying and meeting the needs of clients and their families.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My social work experience includes a blend of both medical and mental health positions. I worked as a medical social worker in rehabilitation, hospice and palliative care. Then I worked on a sub-acute inpatient mental health floor with seriously mentally ill clients. After that I was a co-facilitator in a PTSD and Co-Occurring Disorders residential treatment program. For two years I was on the PTSD Clinical Team where I worked with trauma survivors. I am certified in Prolonged Exposure, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Grief Recovery.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I am certified in ACT and find it very beneficial. Mindfulness exercises, evaluating our values and goals in life is foundational to ACT. It is practical and very helpful.
Christian Counseling
For Christian clients who want to include Biblical principles and prayer I am willing to incorporate these.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
I am certified in CPT and have used it effectively for the treatment of clients who have experienced traumatic life events. This is a challenging treatment modality and client must be prepared to commit.
Collaborative Management and Assessment of Suicidality (CAMS)
I have been trained to use CAMS with client who struggle with suicidal thoughts and found it very effective.
Grief Therapy
I am certified in the Grief Recovery method for dealing with grief and have completed the action steps with many clients. It is helpful if the client is willing to purchase the Grief Recovery Handbook written by John James and Russell Friedman. I have completed the action steps at one of their workshops and found the treatment so beneficial that I went to get trained and certified.