hello! Am a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida. I received my Master's degree from the University of Maryland system Bowie State University School of Adlerian Psychology with an emphasis in family therapy. Following my family therapy training, I began to work in the domestic violence and trauma areas of mental health and have been working with survivors of trauma for the past 28 years. I help people move past earlier trauma to create the life that they want to experience in the present. I have worked the men women and children. I also work with traumatized families. My approach is client-centered and holistic. I love to create hope with my clients. You can be free to experience joy again. I believe in you.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

The first session focuses on developing rapport and constructing treatment goals. The first thing I do is try to help my clients feel comfortable and supported. I answer any questions they have about therapy and the therapeutic process. I try to get to know something about the client's strengths, weaknesses hopes, and dreams. I'm also likely to ask about what you, my client, like to do for fun or to relax. I'm going to explain to you the guidelines that are in the therapy process to help you feel safe. Then, we will work together on what your specific goals are for therapy and construct a plan that works for you moving forward. As always, you are in charge of the therapy process. I might have an idea of what might work but you don't have to do anything you wish not to do. This is part of developing safety, trust, and collaboration in therapy. I look forward to working with you.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

my three greatest strengths as a provider are my ability to develop a therapeutic relationship with you that doesn't feel clinical but like we're just having a conversation about life and practical tools to help move you forward. There will be some things that will be hard to talk about but I try to be as real as possible to make the process healthy and good for you. Secondly, I have a passion for doing excellent clinical work. I never stop learning and never stop growing even though I've been doing this for almost 30 years. Thirdly, my clients are my teachers. I still learn from each one of you how to be the best therapist I can be. I thank you for that.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I love working with people who feel stuck in past difficulties and traumas but want to move forward to create full lives which contain multiple dimensions like career family and friendships. They have the desire to move forward but don't know how to use the tools necessary to make the journey. I like educating people about the healing tools they have within themselves to empower that movement. I counsel, teach train, and guide you about the things that you can do to bring about your own healing process.

About Eileen OBrien Phelps