Hello! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Pennsylvania. I received my masters in Clinical Mental Health from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. I am a doctorial candidate; working towards a PhD in Counseling Education and Supervision. I have been practicing for over 25 years with individuals with a substance use disorder in in-patient facilities, as well as private practice working with children 8 years old through adults; assisting them in becoming the best version of themself with skills to manage their future. The counseling session ultimately belongs to the client...not the counselor.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Often, the initial desire for a counselor and actually getting connected with a counselor can be a wait; therefore, I use the first part of the initial session to allow the client a time to vent and talk about issues that brought them to counseling. While talking, there are items in the biopsychosocial assessment that can be completed just listening the client's narrative. During the first session, I also seek to establish goals that will be used in the treatment plan and discover the best way to achieve those goals. At the end of the session, I engage the client with a brief series of questions about what worked for them in the session, what was comfortable and/or uncomfortable? I do this to establish the best way to build a comfortable therapeutic environment, as well as assure a sense of safety.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strength as a provider is my ability to listen and assure the client that they are both heard and understood. Understanding is not always agreeing, but even that is okay when building the therapeutic relationship. I endeavor to appreciate the client's experience and opinion without bringing personal judgement in the session. I try to make sure the client has a safe space for authenticity. If there is a time when I challenge a client's thinking, I always make sure the client feels free to agree and/or disagree. The counseling session ultimately belongs to the client...not the counselor.