LCSW, 6 years of experience
New to Grow
After having a career in the medical and academic fields, I went back to college to earn my MSW and LCSW. My focus was to develop the skills necessary to help people in my community. My mission is to give back to the community and to help those who need to overcome the paralyzing effects of depression, anxiety, and dysfunctional thinking rather caused by academic stress/change, a medical condition, relationship issues or life stresses. People suffering from depression, anxiety, panic, and OCD are often not only battling the disease but also its impact on their families. The impacts are great. The impact can be job loss or change, financial issues, marriage difficulties, or family dynamic shifts. Most patients have one or more of these impacts to deal with at the same time they are dealing with their condition. The combination can be very overwhelming and difficult to understand. My focus is to help my clients learn to cope with the new challenges of their condition. Together, we will explore the tools that can be used to learn to cope. I believe that together we can make a very difficult time easier
The first session is designed as an exchange of information between the patient and myself. It’s an opportunity for us to learn about one another, begin building rapport, and establish a foundation of trust. This initial step helps set the stage for a therapeutic process that will continue to grow and develop in a way that best supports the patient’s goals.
I believe my years in healthcare and as a professor teaching clinical pathology have given me a unique background in engaging with a wide variety of people. I have experience supporting individuals facing health challenges as well as those navigating academic pressures. These experiences have made me comfortable working with people from many different walks of life, and I bring that openness and adaptability into my therapeutic work.
I don’t have an ‘ideal’ patient. My practice is patient-centered, and I meet people where they are. Over the years, I’ve worked with individuals experiencing bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, OCD, academic issues, teens navigating gender identity, and those in the process of sexual identity transitions. I believe therapy should unfold in a way that is beneficial and meaningful for each person, and I tailor my approach to support their unique needs and goals.
I help the patient understand the cognitive distortions that are creating their anxiety and depression. By understanding the cognitive process behind these conditions we build new ways of thinking.
The ecological psyche generates stories about who we are and impacts our cognitive processing. By examining these narratives we can alter the impact on the cognitive process
It emphasizes strengths, virtues, and conditions that allow individuals to thrive. Instead of looking at what is wrong, we change the cognitive process to look at what is right with you. The focus becomes looking at positive thoughts, being more self complimentary than critical and having gratitude.