LPC, 17 years of experience
Hi! I am Lisa. I received my Master's Degree at Geneva College (Pennsylvania) in Mental Health and Marriage and Family Counseling. After receiving my degree, I began working in the field of addiction, which has remained my field of practice for the last 20-plus years. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of Ohio. I am also a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) and a Master of Addiction Counseling (MAC) in the state of Pennsylvania. I have also just recently become licensed in the state of Tennessee.
Let's get to know each other! I believe it is important for my client and me to take some time to build trust and authenticity. I use the first few sessions to take the time needed to understand the concern from the client's perspective and readiness to address. I believe it is important to partner in the development of treatment goals and would encourage my clients to be an active participant in all aspects of therapy.
I believe my greatest strength is my authenticity and non-judgmental approach. I feel therapy is a working partnership and do not put myself in the role of expert, but of a guide.
I have a passion for working in the addiction field. This includes working with the individual who is struggling with aspects of addiction, as well as the family and friends who have been impacted by a loved one's addictive patterns. Due to taking a mental health approach, I also address the many co-occurring or underlying issues directly related to addiction and trauma, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, familial conflict, self-esteem, unhealthy relationship patterns, ADHD, and mood disorders. I also specialize in helping women (those identified with the feminine) build internal strength and a healthier identity.
I have been using CBT in my therapy practice for over 15 years. CBT focuses on our thoughts and beliefs connected to life's challenges and impacts. CBT can give significant insight into how one is individually experiencing a problem and how opening these patterned thoughts can create change. I believe if we can more fully understand our thinking, we can expand our growth.
While I have used multiple treatment approaches in my practice, I would say that they are all umbrellaed by the person-centered approach. I believe that an individual is the best expert and healer of themselves and only needs a guide to help them explore and discover these abilities. I attempt to meet individuals where they are in their healing journeys with unconditional positive regard and acceptance. Most of us are experiencing normal reactions to very abnormal experiences.