For the past 25+ years I have had the honor of working with a variety of clients in numerous settings during my career as a Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I graduated with a masters degree from the University of West Virginia, spending most of my work life in Southwestern Pennsylvania. I value each person that has put their trust in me through our counseling journey and feel fortunate to be a part of this profession.
During our first session, I will be gathering information about you, about your life history, about your relationships, about your expectations of therapy, and about any goals you may have. I will also answer any questions you may have. Then we will begin to form our therapeutic relationship in which time we can judge whether we collectively see a good relational fit.
My strength in doing this work is that I truly believe in the value of the profession. The ability to listen and explore patterns of thinking and feeling is a worthwhile endeavor. Through my lived experience, I believe each person that I have encountered found benefit and support from therapy in navigating this unique and complicated life.
I mostly start my counseling intervention using person centered therapy, focusing on each persons unique and individual needs. Considering all of the struggles of what it means to be human in its various aspects, I feel that it is important to understand where you are, where you come from and where you would like to be.
Using this therapy, I have found it to be extremely helpful to build an understanding of a client's personal cognitions. We will investigate thoughts, behaviors and beliefs that affect the way people react to various situations in their lives.
Individuals often underestimate the strength they bring to counseling and approaching problems. The ongoing use of strength focused therapy is to raise self worth and self esteem, emphasizing each persons abilities and skills. Reframing negative personal beliefs to a more positive belief system.
There are many approaches to therapy, using person centered concepts as a basis for interaction, my goal is to build a trusting relationship with each client. Listening with empathy, genuineness and respect, while honoring the uniqueness of each person. I will be using various techniques based on the issues presented.
Mindfulness treatment focuses the individual in the here and now of the situation at hand. It is used to manage anxiety and rumination on intrusive negative thoughts. Incorporating relaxation techniques as a tool in this treatment model can be extremely helpful to creating a calm approach to problem solving.