One of my greatest passions is to help people experience TRUE peace and emotional well-being. A combination of life experiences and relationships impact how we see ourselves and the world. These experiences can lead us to joy and fulfillment or a life bogged down by anxiety, trauma, and even despair. If you are experiencing any of these, you may have tried "thinking positively" or coping through distractions. I don't know about you, but trying to "think positive" while feeling depressed can feel like more work than it is worth and distractions often move us further away from our ultimate goals. I use a compassionate and warm approach to help you identify the barriers to the life you want and provide concrete steps to help you turn things around. I look forward to working with you!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, I will provide informed consent. This is information that you need to be aware of when entering into a counseling relationship. It will also be an opportunity for you to ask me questions that you may have coming into the session. I will ask questions to learn more about what is bringing you into therapy, as well as your history. This information helps me to form a picture of what direction to go in. If at any point during the counseling process you have any questions or concerns about your progress, you can ask at any time. You are hiring me to help you! After we have worked together for a while, you can expect to see less and less of me because you will be improving. We will of course communicate about this as we progress, but my goal is to work myself out of a job!
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
The methods I use most often are EMDR and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of treatment that helps you regain your life after trauma, as well as reduce anxiety, depression, stress, and to even process grief. In this therapy, we use eye movement or other forms of bilateral stimulation (tapping, sound, or tactile) as we process through past events and present triggers. People often feel less overwhelmed and better able to rationally judge a situation after the process is complete. People even feel a shift in how they view themselves. Mindfulness CBT is also a tool that I use. We can get through any single moment of our life, if we are willing to train our minds to do so.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Throughout my career, I have been told by clients and their family members that I have a calming presence. Working on ourselves is stressful! The last thing we need is to feel judged by the people we are looking to for help. My nature as a therapist is well suited for the anxious person, especially those who have experienced trauma. I can also tell it like it is, but I do so gently and at times with humor. I am also a Certified Spiritual Director, with an emphasis on contemplative Christian spirituality. This is either really appealing to you or it may make your skin crawl, depending on your experience with those who identify as Christians. I get it. This aspect of my work is just for those who want it implemented in their sessions.