LPC, 11 years of experience
New to Grow
After a successful career in law, I transitioned into mental health practice over 11 years ago, driven by a deep commitment to helping people navigate life's challenges in a safe non-judgmental place. If you are reading this you may be experiencing anxiety or depression either as a lifelong condition or as a result of some stressor either at home or at work. You may feel " stuck" and concerned about not reaching your goals in life. You may be drinking too much and want to stop. Clients often come to therapy simply because they are troubled by something that they need to bounce off someone. Change can be difficult. Here's the good news. You have just taken the hardest step. By acknowledging the need for change in your life and doing something about it you are well on your way to achieving that change. It may be just one or two sessions or it may take somewhat longer but either way I look forward to joining you on your journey.
Our first session we'll start by introducing ourselves. I will tell you a little bit about myself. I will ask you why you are here and we will review the screens and intake forms that were sent. I will ask you what your goals are for therapy and and we will mutually decide the best way to achieve those goals. Most clients leave that initial meeting feeling better knowing that there is a path forward.
My greatest strength is enjoying what I do. I've been through all of life stages and made my share of mistakes. I am therefore non-judgmental and empathetic with my clients. I believe given the proper tools change can take place. When that occurs it is especially gratifying to the therapist as well as to the client.
Many people come to therapy unsure whether what they’re experiencing is anxiety, depression, or a mix of both. The two can overlap and feel confusing. Anxiety often shows up as worry or fear about what might happen in the future, while depression tends to bring feelings of hopelessness about the future. Part of our work together is untangling these experiences so you can better understand what’s really going on. We’ll also look at whether your struggles are connected to recent life events or if they’ve been with you for many years. In either case, these challenges can leave you feeling on edge, irritable, or stuck in unhelpful coping patterns. They may also create strain in your relationships at work, or at home. Therapy is a place where you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. My goal is to help you gain clarity about what’s driving your distress and to equip you with practical tools and new perspectives so you can move forward with greater resilience, balance, and peace of mind.
Clients often default to negative core beliefs when stressed. By identifying these negative core beliefs and where they come from we can work towards a greater understanding of the clients reactions. The client then learns how to push back by looking at the evidence through the lens of their increased awareness.
In conjunction with CBT the client learns to focus on their strengths rather than their perceived weaknesses. They become empowered to fulfill their potential as they learn in an empathetic environment.