Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Texas. I received my Doctoral degree in Social Work from Capella University and my Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Social Work from The University of Oklahoma. I have been practicing in various therapeutic roles, primarily with children and families, for twelve years. I love to help individuals who are struggling with their mental health, processing a past or current traumatic experience, dealing with grief/loss, or simply needing support from someone who cares.
During our first session together, we will begin by simply getting to know one another a bit, exploring the reasons that brought you to the session, and answering any questions you have about the therapy process itself. At the end of the session, we will discuss a possible plan to address your individual needs going forward.
Having worked with children and families in home, school, and office settings over the last 12 years, I have learned a great deal about people, their resiliency, their strengths, and their willpower. In looking at my own strengths as a therapist, I believe I bring several things to the table: inclusivity and a respect for someone's culture, comfortability and rapport with clients, active listening in sessions, validation and encouragement, realism, transparency, and empathy.
I am very interested in working with adults who are ready to make a positive change for themselves. Whether you are battling something personal, struggling in your interpersonal relationships, having a hard time coping with life's stressors, or exploring aspects of your identity, I want to be able to help you process, plan, and make those positive changes in your life. I like working with clients from all backgrounds and aim to provide a safe, inclusive space for anyone who wants to participate in therapy!
I have used elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in my practice during the entirety of my career as I am a big believer in the deep connection between our emotions, thoughts, and actions. In taking a look at how we think, feel, and behave, we can parse out patterns, identify and eliminate negative ways of coping, and begin to do things differently that will have a positive impact on our lives now and in the future.
As your therapist, it is very important that I listen to you, validate you, show curiosity about your situation, and collaborate with you on ways to improve your existing problem. Though Motivational Interviewing, I can work with you to identify your needs and create a plan with the hopes of bringing about desired changes.
You are the expert in your own life. I am merely a guide to help you explore nuances, needs, strengths, and new skills on the journey. I work to ensure that your sessions remain focused on you and that your voice is heard and considered every step of the way.
I have found that it is not enough for myself, as the clinician, to know and understand how therapy works. It is crucial that you understand what treatment options are being chosen, what they entail, and why they are best practice for your specific needs. I will provide insight on your specific treatment interventions, skills/techniques and their benefits, coping mechanisms, and work to answer any and all of your questions as they arise during your sessions.
Nobody is perfect, but we all have strengths, whether we can see them right now or not! Regardless of what brings you to therapy, I find that is very helpful for us to identify and celebrate your strengths, what makes you resilient, and what keeps you going from day to day.