LCMHC, 22 years of experience
New to Grow
A culturally sensitive psychotherapist with a background in treating depression, anxiety, physical abuse, boundary setting, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, addictions, family challenges, reunification, HIV/AIDS, grief, intellectual/developmental disabilities, trauma, LGBTQ, crisis intervention, communication difficulties, and self-esteem issues. A South Carolina Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Addictions Counselor and North Carolina Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 22 years of experience. Educational Background: Bachelor of Arts Degree in Experimental Psychology with a Minor in Social Work from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University.
The length of sessions is typically 50 minutes for individual therapy. Your first visit will be an initial assessment and information gathering session. The second session we will develop a treatment plan and establish what specific goals you have. After your initial assessment and treatment plan have been completed then psychotherapy sessions will begin. If therapy is not indicated, then counsel for life issues will begin. The number of psychotherapy and or counsel sessions required will vary depending on your specific needs and progress.
My approach to therapy is a collaborative one that incorporates evidence-based treatment modalities. The approach is integrative and direct, tailoring treatment to meet the collaboratively defined goals and needs. I will incorporate warmth, genuineness, and some humor aiming to create a space where diverse client systems feel comfortable engaging in critical thinking and introspection. I believe in the importance of integrating past and present experiences, helping clients feel strengthened and more satisfied both individually and in relationships with others. My goal is for clients to obtain greater understanding and resiliency to create long standing meaningful change.
Clients served are adolescents and adults who need individual, couples, family, and/or group counseling to help them cope and deal with daily issues and concerns, seeking personal growth and/or those who suffer with mental illness.
I select the theoretical approach or combination of approaches and techniques used based on empirical research & theories that are proven to be the most effective for each client's unique & specific needs. I strive to identify with the client and develop a close therapeutic relationship to foster a trusting and a safe environment in which the client can feel at ease. During this process, I may ask the client many open-ended questions to discover what concerns have caused them to seek counseling. I may point out that there are many ways to view a situation by re-framing. I will provide psychoeducation to my clients, to always ensure a complete awareness of the therapeutic process. I also provide counsel and teach skills that are useful in dealing with difficult situations and or relationships in a non-therapeutic way for those who do not require therapy. I make a conscious effort to bring some type of resolution to all problems that my clients present me with; if I feel that I am unable, I am more than willing to refer them elsewhere. Ultimately, it is up to the client what he or she wants to get out of the counseling relationship and whether they are willing or not willing to change their current predicament.