LICSW, 30 years of experience
I am very thankful you are considering this resource. I am an LICSW born and raised in rural Alabama who assists individuals from teenagers to retirees who have a desire to work on issues of anxiety, depression, chronic health concerns and life's many stressors. I feel fortunate to have specific experience working with individuals from faith-based cultures, rural communities and the LGBTQ+ community. I am very comfortable with the use of Motivational Interviewing, Reality Therapy and Mindfulness techniques to serve the needs of clients who are seeking brief therapy options that fit within their busy schedules. Life coaching has become a technique many of the people I have served prefer when working on career and relationship goals.
The initial session will be an opportunity for the client to share the issue or issues causing the most distress at that time. The therapeutic journey is very fluid and issues may change rapidly as work is being accomplished. The first session should be a welcoming experience for the client and not one that is approached with a sense of dread.
I believe my mission is to serve on your team and be an active listener, coach and guide to help you find those options that work best for you. Because individuals are different with unique needs, I do not attempt to use a "one size fits all" approach choosing instead to listen to the person I am serving to find the path that best fits their life.
I encourage the person I am serving to be an active participant in the therapeutic process. The tone of therapeutic sessions should be adapted to the needs of the client. In general, I find that concrete goals developed as a team, with input and guidance from the client, have proven to be most successful.
While my training is anchored by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Gestalt techniques, I am also very comfortable in the use of other treatment methods including Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Positive Psychotherapy.
Almost half of my current therapeutic work involves serving couples from varied backgrounds and with diverse needs. Treatment planning for couples should always be specific to the needs of the individuals in that relationship.
Supportive Therapy techniques are an integral part of the life coaching feature of my service. I am fortunate that my Social Work background facilitates access to a multitude of resources gained during my career.