Please know that I can only see folks who are in Virginia. Also, I cannot see folks who have need more intensive therapy, at this time. I'm a seasoned counselor with 37 years as a licensed counselor. I have worked in emergency mental health in a hospital setting for 17 years and concurrently had a private practice. Prior to partial retirement, I worked in two local colleges as a mental health counselor. I took care of my ailing mother for 13 years and needed to be home more, so I signed on with Grow. To my surprise, I have found tele health to be just as effective as in-person counseling. I am enjoying the freedoms this platform affords both the client and the therapist. I look forward to meeting you and exploring how you can improve your emotional and mental well-being.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I will spend some time getting to know you. You will be encouraged to tell me what's going on in your life that brings you to counseling. We will talk about diagnosis, and treatment plan going forward. It's a collaborative experience. It's important for you to get me your paperwork prior to the first session so that I have some history. I look forward to working with you.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I think a client-centered approach works very well in most cases. This form of therapy is based on Rogerian principles which states that the client is best able to decide what to explore and how. I encourage clients to take a wholistic approach to their healing. I can be directive when need be also.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
One of my strengths is my ability to connect with clients early on in the process. I am also a former client and have done extensive work myself and feel that enables me to understand my clients fears and apprehensions about entering into therapy. My years of experience have given me a vast knowledge about many challenges folks face. I prefer to get at the root cause of distress-that's my focus. I am not one to slap a band-aid on the problem. Let's find out what's at the source of your discomfort.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Women's issues: The stressors of being a woman are many and often stress manifests in depression, substance abuse, relationship issues to name a few. Exploring your unique stressors and learning how to cope with them can improve your quality of life. Grief: Grieving is part of life but society often expects us to "get over it" quickly. We need to honor our feelings and grieve our losses in our own time. Co-dependency : Often we abandon ourselves in order to avoid the pain of rejection or anger. Healing childhood wounds can change a life. self-esteem: learning to love ourselves as we do others is often a challenge for many of us.