Hi everyone, I'm Greg I understand that emotions can be confusing, relationships can be messy, and past experiences can negatively impact our present lives, however, I believe that with proper coping strategies, we don’t have to remain stuck in dysfunctional patterns. I realize change can be scary and people often remain frozen in place due to the fear of the unknown. While change and acceptance are two concepts that are diametrically opposed, with the right mindset, they can work hand-in-hand to promote growth and healing. I have been helping clients improve their lives for over two decades. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, obtaining my Masters of Social Work through Indiana University and my Doctorate of Social Work through Capella University. My doctoral capstone project researched the use of Integrated Treatment to effectively treat co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders using a holistic approach to treat these disorders simultaneously, as oftentimes, the root causes of addiction are comingled with other underlying mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or grief. I believe that treating both conditions simultaneously brings about the best chance of success for lasting healing and recovery. Before obtaining my doctoral degree, I spent two decades working at a community mental health center through its emergency services department. This experience provided the opportunity to work with diverse clients struggling with all manner of concerns. Additionally, I spent the past six years working part-time at an addiction recovery center treating clients individually, in groups, and with their family systems to help combat the disease of addiction. As a result of these opportunities, I am experienced in all manners of mental health, as well as addiction counseling, family counseling, and grief counseling.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I help my clients look at every situation from a multitude of angles to help find opportunities for learning and growth. I see my clients as individuals and will work with each one to develop a treatment approach unique to their needs. I will work as hard as my clients, giving each one of them a multitude of skills they can utilize to empower themselves I strive to create a relaxed atmosphere and realize my clients are the experts on their own lives. You are in the driver's seat and we will move at your pace.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I am proficient in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Crisis Intervention, and Solution Focused Interventions, though my primary approach focuses on client strengths and utilizes Dialectical Behavioral Therapy techniques to find a balance between accepting who you are and the benefits of making changes to get where you desire to be.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I consider myself to be a blue-collar guy who happens to work in a white-collar field, so I pride myself on being relatable and down to earth. I tend to be quick to listen and slow to speak, using a frank, “tell it like it is approach” with a gentle touch. I will ask the tough questions to get to the core of any concerns and will break down difficult therapeutic concepts by using pop culture references to make these easier to understand, so they can be adopted into one's daily lifestyle. My approach is focused on helping clients accept their past, rather than be trapped by it, to move forward toward the outcomes they desire.