Hello ! Welcome to this new adventure to explore the benefits of therapy. This may be your first time trying out this experience, or you may have worked with other clinicians in the past. People often think of therapy as scary; a luxury; an unnecessary expense and/or use of time; no better than talking to friends and loved ones; to be sought out only if things get really BAD. But in the decades I have been working as a psychotherapist with people just like you - they have found, as I hope you will, that it is a dynamic opportunity to start addressing the needs of the most important resource you have - YOU ! And YES, starting with someone new is scary, and sometimes anxiety-producing. I applaud you for taking this step. Therapy is an educational process in which you are learning about you. I follow the pace of the client and can say that each person's journey to healing is different. I may have a compass to guide the process, but you are rowing the boat. There can be hard work on this exploration ! My experience as a therapist began in New York City, working in the field of domestic violence as a therapist and advocate. Living in New York City at that time, I had the opportunity and honor to work with people of various nationalities and cultures. I completed my Doctorate in Counseling Psychology at New Mexico State University in 2000. I worked for, and directed, several community- based , not for profit agencies before I took the plunge to start my own business in 2005. I was in private practice for 10 years, and since that time I have worked as a contractor in many capacities, with diverse populations.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the first session, we will spend time getting background information (what some people call biopsychosocial assessment or a clinical interview). We will discuss the current concerns that have brought you to therapy, to the extent you feel comfortable. My truest hope for every first session is that you leave the meeting feeling more secure about your choice to start (or re-start) therapy, proud of yourself for taking this step - and positive about us having an ongoing working relationship. I hope that you have felt truly heard, and perhaps, left the session with a smidge of new knowledge about yourself. Above all, my greatest hope is that I was able to help you find a glimmer of hope that sparks a desire to move forward with this valuable process.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
Primarily, we will be engaged in talk therapy. I have quite a bit of knowledge working with trauma and will utilize trauma-informed therapies, as appropriate. We will focus on emotions as a key to greater understanding. I will often provide concrete skills to help with anxiety/relationship, depression, anger management, communication difficulties, assertiveness, boundaries etc., rather than just providing handouts, I practice these skills with you in session. Generally, I tailor my approach to the person, their readiness and the issues that are specific to them. I do not enter psychotherapy with preconceived notions of what you need. We identify those together. I often utilize Eastern thought and exercises for people who are open to these methods. The methods that I use in couples therapy are more active and dynamic - and have more of a flavor of coaching.-
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My biggest strengths are the decades of experience I have gathered - assessing, talking to and providing therapy for women, men and adolescents. I am sensitive and empathic, but also direct when it is helpful. I TRULY love working with people and could not imagine spending my life doing otherwise. I am a life-long learner and I value my own humility.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I work with all populations except children and young adolescents. I was trained as a generalist and my focii or interests are broad.