Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In the first session, I like to establish rapport with clients and get to know them as we establish a therapeutic relationship for counseling. Being trained in the family systems module, I like to delve into the client's background by doing a genogram. This helps me understand their family background and upbringing. I also invite clients to ask any questions of my background, too. After this, I like to understand why the client is seeking counseling and then try to pinpoint any specific issues that they are dealing with at this time. We then try to establish some specific goals that Clients want to work on in our counseling sessions.

The treatment methods and tools I utilize

The treatment methods that I have effectively used with my clients are first and foremost, doing a genogram to learn about one's family system. I find this an important tool since we all are products of families, which can reveal a lot about some of our learned behavior and insights into some of our vulnerabilities, as well as how we've been taught to handle many of life's issues. I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is an evidenced based approach to many mental and emotional issues. I also use a variety of other effective tools, such as Narrative Therapy, Solution focused Therapy and Behavioral Modification. If needed, I can also help with any spiritual or religious struggles a person might be experiencing.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My biggest strengths that I bring to the therapy session is, not only my educational and theoretical background, but also a wide variety of life experiences. I come from a large family and have worked at a variety of jobs, such as being a high school teacher, a coach, a college professor, a business owner and a corporate executive, on top of having over 17 years of counseling experience. I work well with individuals who suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, as well as working with couples who struggle with their relationships. I also have worked with individuals who are just stuck in life, whether with their goals, jobs, relationships and the pursuit of happiness. My preference is to work with people from ages 18 to 80.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

. Ages 18 to 65, individuals and couples. I do work from a systemic module with clients, realizing the importance of each person's upbringing and family origins. I do like to review any specific issues that clients are dealing with at this stage in their life, whether it be anxiety, depression, anger issues and any specific behaviors they are currently dealing with as individuals or as a couple. I also try to establish the therapeutic relationship and try to make sure that there's a good match between the client and myself.

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