I received a Masters of Art degree from Bowie State University in Mental Health Counseling. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor with five years of experience practicing in the field of trauma, sexual and physical abuse, co-occurring disorders and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Addictions and my areas of interest include women’s issues, trauma, anger and stress management and relational conflict.
In our first session, I will create a comfortable and safe environment where the client feels at ease. I aim to build rapport and establish a trusting therapeutic relationship. I will explain the therapy process and discuss confidentiality and boundaries. We will work collaboratively to set goals for your therapy journey.
As a cognitive behavior therapy therapist, I have learned over the past five years of practice, my greatest strength lies in my ability to engage clients as equal partners in the therapeutic process. I encourage clients to take an active role in identifying and challenging challenging thought patterns and in implementing behavioral strategies. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of empowerment and autonomy in clients, enhancing their commitment to the therapeutic work.
I work with clients to identify and challenge cognitive distortions. This may involve exploring the evidence for and against these thoughts, considering alternative perspectives, and developing more balanced and realistic interpretations. The aim is to foster cognitive restructuring, promote healthier thinking patterns, and reduce emotional distress.
I engage in active listening and strive to understand the client's emotions, experiences, and worldviews from their perspective. Reflective listening and paraphrasing are used to convey understanding and facilitate deeper exploration of the client's feelings.
Rather than solely concentrating on deficits or problems, Strength-Based Therapy shifts the focus toward amplifying and utilizing the client's strengths. This approach encourages clients to recognize and harness their existing capabilities to navigate challenges and achieve their goals.