Licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Couples Counseling, Foster Care/Adoption and 7 more.
(she/her)
New to Grow
"Unconditional positive regard with a side of personal responsibility." These two concepts are driving force in the work, I get the privilege to do with individuals who chose to allow me to join their journey. My first charge is to always create a safe space to say the hard things out loud, secondly its to charge the individual to define how they wish their life to look--that's the building block for creating change. This process can be messy, a bit scary, sometimes exhilarating and hopefully fulfilling. I have been working with individuals, couples and families at different changes of transitions for over 18 years varying from dealing with addictions to understanding the impacts of mental health. Each person is unique and deserves a safe space to share, be challenge and get constructive feedback to grow.
First session is about information sharing and building a rapport. Having a therapeutic relationship between therapist and client is essential for effective mental health and personal growth.
I am a very direct therapist. If I am concerned about the current decisions or actions being made; I am going to say it. Working with me, you can expect a call for action. You play in the real world, like you have practiced in therapy. Its the safe space to practice assertive communication, breathing techniques when experiencing a panic attack, or setting a boundary. Happiness is a personal responsibility and together we will work to create an action plan that helps improve your quality of life.
My ideal is client is anyone is who willing to hit start session for virtual or walk into the room. Sometimes starting is the hardest part, so if you have done that part I will meet you right where you are at. Angry that you are here? Tell me about the anger and why you feel you shouldn't be here. Sad for the past 3 years and don't know why? Tell me about the last time your remember being happy. Your spouse is making come, but you feel its unwarranted? Tell me what you think is a better option at this time.
CBT is a very action based approach. It works in reverse behaviors--thoughts--feelings. If we can begin to change the behaviors we can impact the thoughts and feelings. For individuals that could look like creating a daily self care plan (shower, make bed, stretch), couples (weekly date night cannot discuss kids, bills, or jobs) and for a family (eating dinner together once a week no cell phones or electronics).