Welcome. I am an LPC, in practice for the past 10 years. I work with adults experiencing a range of challenges from work related stress, feelings of marginality and isolation and mood symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Using a holistic approach, I help people develop a deeper understanding of their challenges so they can gain mastery over implementation of calming and coping skills. Life will continue to have challenges and the goal is to empower clients to take them on with competence.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In my practice, I require 3 foundation sessions to be completed together before the "official" therapy work begins. These sessions consist of a review of the informed consent to come into therapy. The intake which is an interview that explains the client's current issues and and reviewing life history and initial assessments start in this session and often rolls into session 2. The second session is a completion and review of the initial intake. The treatment plan is also completed in this session. Treatment plans outline an individualized treatment path. In the final foundation session, there is a thorough review of the therapy process including methods and expectations. These sessions are important as they scaffold the episode of care and provide the client with initial education about the therapy process and perhaps more importantly, they allow the client a broader opportunity to have a sense if I am a good fit as far as approach, presence and initial abilities.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My background in sociology and community work both enhance my counseling practice. Besides an unwavering dedication to prioritizing cultural humility, I think it is imperative to consider social, structural and systems contexts to better understand personal dilemmas.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I enjoy working with adult clients who are open to exploring their challenges, who are seeking new perspectives, and are feeling empowered to embrace personal growth. I love the problem solving process and being a thinking partner.
Adlerian
Adlerian is a holistic approach to therapy that views each individual as unique and places a strong emphasis on the role of social factors and life goals in shaping behavior and thought patterns.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
A mindfulness-based behavioral model that encourages individuals to stop avoiding or struggling with unpleasant internal experiences and instead accept them as valid responses to life. It focuses on using psychological flexibility to help people move toward "committed action" that aligns with their core values, even in the presence of difficult thoughts or feelings.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
A future-oriented, goal-directed approach that bypasses deep analysis of past problems to focus on a client's existing strengths and previous "exceptions" to their struggles. It utilizes specific questioning techniques, such as the "Miracle Question," to help individuals visualize their desired future and identify the small, concrete steps necessary to achieve it.
Narrative
A collaborative approach that views individuals as separate from their problems, emphasizing that "the person is not the problem, the problem is the problem." It focuses on identifying "unique outcomes" or exceptions to a dominant negative story, allowing clients to deconstruct disempowering narratives and "re-author" their lives based on their preferred values and strengths.