Are you feeling stressed out, zoned out, or off-balance? Do you feel like you're drowning under the weight of responsibilities, while others seem to be thriving? Have you been using social media, toxic relationships, or substances to numb or distract yourself from the discomfort? I'd love to try and help you find your footing and feel more like yourself again. Most of the clients I work with have a lot more in common than they realize. They are struggling...but they believe they SHOULD be able to manage everything! They believe they are somehow flawed or weaker than others. I want you to know it’s okay to be struggling. Prolonged stress and trauma from things like the Covid pandemic, social and political unrest, racism, homophobia, and bullying can greatly impact our mental and physical health. Anxiety, depression, or trauma symptoms may be showing up as a way to say, “Hey, I’m not okay right now. I need to talk about this.” I am here to listen and help you navigate tough situations like these. I have a background in both mental health and medical social work. I have worked in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, community agencies, and addiction centers. My specialties are grief and loss, mood disorders, LGBTQ+ issues, addiction/ recovery, and chronic illness/pain. I have worked in this field for over twenty years, and I am more passionate than ever about helping others. I look forward to meeting you soon!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I like to try and put you at ease by normalizing any anxiety around starting therapy (or starting with a new therapist). I like to focus on engagement and getting to know what brought you to my practice. I also want to learn what you're hoping to gain from your therapy experience. However, sometimes folks don't really know why they're there the first day...and that's okay. The first session with me is pretty informal (I don't read questions from a list), and hopefully you'll laugh or smile at least once!
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I will walk with you on your journey through depression and anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, chronic pain, or other difficulties. I utilize a variety of tools to facilitate change, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, grief support, and motivational interviewing, among others. I draw on empowerment and strengths-based theories and utilize a secular framework.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I think my biggest strength is my ability to make others feel special and valued. I believe my innate curiosity, empathy, and caring nature also help me partner with clients. I enjoy working with a wide range of people, including healthcare workers, creative artists, folks coping with chronic pain or illness, and the LGBTQ+ population.