I work primarily with young adults (college, 20-30 somethings) and adolescents through various life changes and transitions, that include relationships and social issues, academic stress, and significant life changes like new jobs or location changes. Significant change is a normal part of adolescence and young adulthood, but it can be a stressful and confusing time. I've also worked extensively with psychiatric issues such as phobias and OCD and have significant experience working with young people who were recently diagnosed with chronic illness or are experiencing health anxiety.. We will partner together each session to help you feel heard and supported, to explore practical solutions to make you feel more in control of your situation and to build cognitive skills that will increase your ability to feel calmer and to think more clearly.
First sessions are a good opportunity for us to build the foundation of our successful partnership. I'm interested to know who you are and what brings you to counseling at this time. This can include discussions about the roles and responsibilities in your life, duration of symptoms, and exploring goals you have for your therapy experience.
I understand how difficult and unpredictable life can be, so I can empathize with whatever challenges you bring into the session. I went through serious medical diagnosis as a teenager that included major surgeries and hospital stays and resulted in residual anxiety and depression. I know the 'steps of the journey' that we'll walk together in our partnership, as we work towards helping you feel better.
Clients are best positioned to succeed when they come into therapy with an open mind and free of judgements or expectations. Let the process unfold and allow me to help shepherd you through it. I am confident we will make a strong partnership.
I am well-trained in CBT and use it to help clients identify and challenge core beliefs and thought patterns that cause anxiety/depression.
I have used motivational interviewing ever since I became a therapist 8 years ago. This philosophy allows us to use your innate strengths and motivations as fuel to help us identify and conquer goals.
The most empowering part of therapy is you, the client, coming to session to process what you have been experiencing, feeling, thinking, etc. I pride myself on solid active listening skills, validating, and providing dynamic feedback.