Hi, I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) based in the state of Michigan. I received my master's degree from Spring Arbor University in Michigan. I have been practicing for 20 years with primarily non-profit organizations. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults and I am currently working with adolescents who are in the juvenile justice system and providing family therapy to help the family shift their negative relational focus to a healthier view of each other.
At our first session I will introduce myself, set expectations, and discuss scheduling sessions. I will also encourage the client to introduce themselves to me and state what they want to accomplish and what their goals are for their therapy. Lastly, I will provide an opportunity for the client to discuss anything they wish to address at the first session.
I have worked with a variety of people and ages throughout my career as a therapist and I feel my strengths are an ability to listen, validate, challenge intrusive thoughts, and negative thinking and encourage self-awareness. I will tailor my approach based on the client's needs and information shared during their first few sessions with me.
My dream client would be an individual who realizes that their unhealthy patterns have negatively impacted their daily lives, relationships and functioning and he or she is eager to make necessary changes to become the best version of themselves, including learning how to state their needs, improve their communication skills, understanding their attachment styles and how early childhood trauma has an impact on their social emotional development. My dream client would take all of these new skills and apply and implement these skills to undo their unhealthy patterns and reshape their lives.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I have utilized Trauma-Focused CBT for 15 years as a treatment method to assist clients and promote healing from childhood and adulthood trauma events in their lives. I utilize trauma narratives and timelines to help clients process their memories and experiences.
Couples Counseling
I have worked with couples directly through a telehealth platform. As a Couples Counselor, I work to support the couples' needs with issues pertaining to intimate relationships, address conflict, improve communication, strengthen relationships and resolve specific problems.
Faith based therapy
As a Christian, I have provided faith-based therapy for individuals who identify as believers or Christians. I use biblical precepts found in scripture and teach the client how to apply these precepts to their life, experiences and healing process.
Trauma Informed Care
I am currently working in a setting where all therapists are trauma informed and provide trauma informed care to all clients. I use trauma informed care and practice as a way to help the individual, couple or family gain an understanding on how trauma events can impact their relationships, their view of the world and their daily functioning.
Family Therapy
I am currently providing Functional Family Therapy or FFT/family therapy to help families change their relational views and meanings to more functional and healthier. Functional Family Therapy is short term therapy lasting 12 to 16 sessions or a maximum of 20 sessions.