I work primarily with young adults (college, 20-30 somethings) 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 young adulthood, but it can be a stressful and confusing time. I've also worked in the field of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and provide services to those with chronic-serious psychiatric conditions. 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.
CBT is the cornerstone theory to better understand thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. As sessions progress you will gain control over your thoughts which in turn can improve mood, self-esteem, and behaviors. CBT is the primary theoretical modality for successfully treating anxieties, mood disorders, specific fears/phobias, and change/transitions.
MI allows us to take your primary motivating factors for being in therapy and set clear goals that are measurable, realistic, and meaningful.
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.