New to Grow
Hello! Who I am professionally: I have worked in a private practice setting for approximately five years. Prior to this I worked in an acute psychiatric hospital for 18 years. I am a firm believer in always learning and trying to be the best clinician I can be, and I feel that I will always be a work in progress. Who I am personally: I have a twenty-year-old daughter who is awesome and a sweet dog that is afraid of the rain, wind, and vacuum cleaner.
Prior to our first session I will read all of your paperwork so that way you don't spend the first session repeating everything you've already written down. I feel that when clients come to therapy they are ready to see some positive changes, so you and I will work on unpacking what is affecting you the most.
I am a practical person- and I feel that when a person decides to start therapy they are ready to get to work because they are tired of feeling the way they currently feel. I love Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) because it is goal-oriented. There are five steps in CBT- 1) Identify the stressors. 2) Recognize your negative feelings about those stressors. 3) Challenge those negative feelings/thoughts. 4) Work on developing healthy coping skills. 5) Keep practicing and apply these techniques to your life situation.
My dream client would be someone who loves to learn. I am a big fan of sending my clients articles or homework so that way the clients can continue to work on their well-being in between sessions. I also hope my clients will not be afraid of the fact that I have a very good memory and I will remember minute details of our conversations-such as the name of the cat that you had when you were in seventh grade :)
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to help you and I to identify the specific problems or issues you are experiencing. I believe in getting to work right away, so will use Cognitive Reframing to lessen the impact these stressors have on your day-to-day life.