Are you struggling with your own personal turmoil? Having difficulty with relationships? Suffering from a recent loss? Redefining yourself with an empty nest? Is retirement not what you envisioned? Dealing with health and physical challenges? All of the chaos and uncertainty in the world today has caused increased stress and anxiety for many folks, which may make your own personal struggles seem insurmountable. You are not alone. The difference is, you have recognized that whatever you have been doing to cope is not working and you are ready to explore other possibilities to manage your concerns. Congratulations on taking the first step towards finding a therapist! Change is hard. Change can be painful or scary. Change takes work, a lot of work. I am here to be your biggest cheerleader, but I cannot do the work for you or tell you what to do. We will figure out what that will look like as a team, based upon what you want to accomplish in therapy. Change is possible and can be rewarding, but only if that is what you desire.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Our first session will be spent getting background information on you as to what led you to seek therapy at this time and what your goals are in therapy. We will also review when and how often you are able to meet, whether you are willing or able to practice what we discuss outside of therapy, cancellation policies and other admin chores. I highly encourage everyone to attend at least three sessions to determine if we are a good fit or not. It takes 2-3 sessions to build a solid therapeutic relationship to build on.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
There is no one-size-fits-all in therapy. Together we will explore what your goals are and figure out how best to meet those goals by using different types of therapy. That may entail exploring the past or may include “homework” to be done outside of therapy, whether that is actual written/reading assignments or practicing a strategy or technique we discussed during our sessions. I have received training in several evidenced based practices, such as CBT, DBT and mindfulness that may be incorporated into your treatment plan.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My background has been in community mental health, medical and geriatrics. I enjoy working with adults who are having difficulty with transitions in life. I believe that, in order for therapy to be successful, it is my job to create a space that is non-judgmental, where you feel safe, validated and understood, where you feel comfortable expressing yourself. I am passionate about helping people live the best life they can by building on their strengths and developing new strategies to be able to do so.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I enjoy working with older folks, 40+ years old, or those who may be having difficulty with life transitions (ie. divorce, loss of loved one, retirement, health/physical conditions, etc).