I am a dedicated provider focused on helping individuals achieve personal growth and emotional well-being. Using a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, I specialize in person-centered therapy and motivational interviewing to support clients in exploring their feelings, overcoming challenges, and making positive changes in their lives. My aim is to provide a safe and supportive space where you can gain self-awareness and develop the skills needed for a healthier, more fulfilling life.
In your first session with me, you can expect the following: Introduction and Rapport Building: We'll start by getting to know each other. I'll introduce myself, explain my approach to therapy, and answer any questions you might have. Discussion of Goals and Expectations: We'll talk about what brings you to therapy, your goals, and what you hope to achieve through our sessions. Assessment and Background Information: I'll ask you about your personal history, current challenges, and any previous experiences with therapy. This helps me understand your situation better. Therapeutic Approach Explanation: I'll explain the methods and techniques I use, such as person-centered therapy or EMDR, and how they might benefit you. Establishing a Treatment Plan: Together, we'll outline a preliminary plan for your therapy, including session frequency and any specific areas we’ll focus on. Confidentiality and Consent: I'll go over the confidentiality policy and obtain your consent for therapy, ensuring you understand your rights and the scope of our sessions. Initial Interventions: Depending on your comfort level and readiness, we may start with some initial therapeutic interventions or exercises. The first session is primarily about building a foundation of trust and understanding, setting the stage for effective and collaborative therapy.
As a provider, I believe my greatest strengths are: Empathy and Compassion: I genuinely care about my clients' well-being and strive to create a supportive and understanding environment where they feel heard and valued. Non-Judgmental Approach: I provide a safe space for clients to express themselves without fear of judgment, which fosters trust and openness in the therapeutic relationship. Person-Centered Focus: Inspired by Carl Rogers' approach, I prioritize the client's perspective and work collaboratively to empower them in their journey towards self-improvement and healing. Flexibility and Adaptability: I tailor my therapeutic techniques to meet the unique needs and goals of each client, ensuring that the approach is relevant and effective for their specific situation. Strong Communication Skills: I actively listen to my clients and communicate clearly and effectively, helping them to articulate their thoughts and feelings while also providing meaningful feedback and guidance. Commitment to Professional Development: I stay informed about the latest research and advancements in psychotherapy, continually enhancing my skills and knowledge to provide the best possible care. These strengths enable me to build strong, therapeutic relationships and effectively support my clients in achieving their personal goals.
I am best positioned to serve clients who are: Seeking Personal Growth: Individuals looking to improve self-esteem, enhance decision-making confidence, and develop better coping skills. Dealing with Trauma: Clients who have experienced traumatic events and are seeking effective ways to process and reduce the emotional impact of these memories through techniques like CBT. Struggling with Anxiety and Stress: Those who are dealing with anxiety, stress, or avoidance behaviors and need support in managing these challenges. Motivated for Change: People who are ready to commit to the process of change, open to exploring their thoughts and feelings, and willing to engage in therapeutic techniques. Seeking a Non-Judgmental Environment: Individuals who value a supportive, empathetic, and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship where they can feel safe to express themselves. My approach is person-centered, focusing on creating a collaborative and empathetic environment where clients can feel understood and empowered to achieve their goals.
Person-centered therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and non-judgmental therapeutic environment. This approach is grounded in the belief that individuals have an inherent capacity for self-understanding and growth. The core goals of person-centered therapy include: Improving Self-Esteem: By fostering an environment of unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness, the therapist helps clients develop a more positive self-image and greater self-worth. Increasing Trust in One's Decision-Making: The therapy encourages individuals to trust their inner experiences and feelings, which in turn helps them to become more confident in their decisions. Enhancing Coping Abilities: Clients learn to understand and accept their feelings, which aids in developing healthier ways to cope with the consequences of their decisions. Rogers believed that psychological diagnoses could be limiting and not necessary for effective psychotherapy. He argued that focusing on labels could detract from understanding the person as a whole. Instead, he advocated for a therapeutic relationship that emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence (genuineness) to facilitate personal growth and self-discovery.
Motivational interviewing, which evolved from Carl Rogers' person-centered therapy, was introduced by psychologist William R. Miller in 1983 and further developed by Miller and Stephen Rollnick. This approach helps people commit to change by encouraging them to articulate their reasons for change. Rollnick explains, "The more you try to insert information and advice, the more they resist. Our approach involves supporting individuals in expressing why and how they might change themselves."
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy technique to alleviate distress from disturbing memories. It involves recalling a troubling experience while following a side-to-side visual stimulus from the therapist. This process aims to reduce the emotional impact of the memory, allowing it to be discussed and processed without triggering anxiety. Since its introduction in 1987, EMDR has been controversial despite studies showing its effectiveness for some patients. There's no universally accepted theory explaining how the eye movements contribute to treatment, and it's unclear if EMDR is superior to traditional exposure therapy, which also reduces fear and avoidance by recalling traumatic memories in a safe environment.