(he/him)
As a Florida native based in Pensacola, I primarily offer online therapy sessions, with a focus on evening and weekend availability. I understand that these times often provide greater convenience for clients balancing busy schedules, and I am committed to working flexibly to find a session time that best suits your needs. With over 18 years of experience, I have had the privilege of working with individuals of all ages and diverse backgrounds. My practice is dedicated to providing caring, effective, and solution-focused therapy to those navigating challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship complexities, chronic conditions, and significant life transitions. My therapeutic approach is rooted in a blend of Rogerian (person-centered) principles and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Additionally, I integrate clinical hypnosis (when appropriate) and mindfulness practices to foster deeper insight and facilitate positive, lasting change. My aim is to weave these powerful techniques into a seamless, purposeful conversation, tailored specifically to your journey. Through our collaborative work, we will clearly define your personal goals, identify the most effective strategies for your unique situation, and reinforce new skills to ensure the changes you make are sustainable and deeply integrated into your life.
Our initial session is a collaborative space designed for mutual discovery. It's an opportunity for you to assess if my approach and expertise align with your unique needs and how you envision being supported. Simultaneously, it allows me to understand your background and current situation, enabling me to determine how my training and experience can best serve you. This foundational conversation is intended to feel natural and open, as we begin to build the rapport and therapeutic alliance essential for effective work. Recognizing that the relationship between a client and their counselor is paramount to the therapeutic process, this first session serves as a vital stepping stone in discerning if our connection can be truly beneficial for your journey toward well-being.
My unique professional journey has profoundly shaped my approach as a counselor, allowing me to bring a rich tapestry of experience to our sessions. My years in the military provided invaluable opportunities for extensive travel and immersion in diverse cultures, fostering a broad perspective and deep appreciation for varied human experiences. Following my military service, I gained significant experience in forensic and correctional environments. This challenging yet deeply formative period allowed me to diagnose and treat individuals facing complex and often severe mental health issues, offering insights that few practitioners encounter. During this time, I collaborated closely with exceptional psychologists, psychiatrists, and physicians, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the intricate connections between physical and mental well-being. My background also includes working within the school district, supporting children and adolescents aged 5 to 21 through a wide range of concerns, from relational dynamics with parents to significant trauma. Furthermore, I work with adults aged 21 and over, addressing issues that span from providing insight and comfort for milder concerns to supporting those with more significant challenges, including facilitating referrals for psychiatry or inpatient services, and guiding them in learning new adaptive behaviors. This diverse and extensive professional history enables me to view each client's unique challenges from multiple perspectives, allowing me to thoughtfully identify and tailor therapeutic skills and strategies that are ideally suited to your individual needs, fostering a truly personalized path toward healing and growth.
My ideal client is someone who is genuinely motivated to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, seeking to transform aspects of their lives for their own well-being. They approach therapy with realistic expectations, understanding that meaningful change requires dedication, consistent effort, and a willingness to prioritize their healing process. Whether they are looking to gain deeper insight into their challenges, acquire new coping skills, or enhance their communication within relationships, they are ready to actively engage in the therapeutic work necessary to achieve their most authentic and fulfilling self.
Currently certified with T.E.A.M.-CBT from Dr. D. Burns' Feeling Good Institute. CBT helps individuals understand the intricate connection between their thoughts, feelings, and actions, providing concrete tools to manage conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress. This active and goal-oriented approach can lead to lasting positive changes.
I have completed the basic and advanced hypnotherapy courses provided by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, through the Florida Society of Clinical Hypnosis. Clinical hypnosis offers a unique pathway to well-being by inducing a state of focused attention and deep relaxation, which can enhance your receptivity to positive suggestions for change. This therapeutic approach can be highly beneficial for managing a range of concerns, including anxiety, stress, insomnia, and various forms of pain. By helping you access inner resources and reframe perceptions, clinical hypnosis empowers you to make healthful changes in your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, fostering a sense of calm and promoting healing. Combining this technique with CBT has been extremely beneficial for many clients.
The theory from Carl Rogers has been of interest to me since studying his theory in college. Rogerian therapy, also known as person-centered therapy, offers a profoundly supportive and empowering experience for clients. It operates on the belief that you are the expert on your own life, possessing an innate capacity for growth and healing. In this approach, the therapist provides a safe, non-judgmental space characterized by genuine empathy and unconditional positive regard, allowing you to freely explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This collaborative environment fosters deeper self-understanding, enhances self-acceptance, and empowers you to discover your own solutions, ultimately leading to personal growth and a greater sense of control and confidence in your life. I have found that many thrive when utilizing this approach to therapy in concert with other methodologies.