LCSW, 22 years of experience
Frequently rebooked
I began my counseling career in 1991 working with individuals experiencing substance abuse and legal problems. This experience propelled my desire to become a clinical social worker. I earned a masters degree in social work in 1998 and have been a licensed clinical social worker since 2004. Over the last 20 years I have had the satisfaction and pleasure of counseling men, women, children, families and groups ranging in ages from 9 to 90 years old. They have been from Caucasian, African-American, Asian-Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern and Hispanic races and cultures. I have worked with people in various stages of their lives. I have provided counseling in community and mental health clinics, military installations and the Department of Veterans Affair’s Readjustment Counseling Service. Most of my career has been in outpatient environments. I am well versed and experienced in supporting clients experiencing a variety of problems. I will coordinate with medical and psychiatric providers and have a sound knowledge of the medications that are used by these providers to treat these problems. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you and help you out!
I typically use the first session as a "broad sweep of the beachfront". I do a brief introduction, give the client an opportunity to ask any questions then delve into, "what brings you here". After that I do an assessment of issues and history of suicidality, self harm, legal and substance use and family. I am clear about switching topics.
I am a very good listener, not only to your words, but also the underlying feelings. I tend to ask many clarifying questions, and have learned to challenge you without being critical. I work very well "in the moment" and have become adept at observing the various parts that enter the conversation. I see counseling as a conversation with a specific purpose.
I work best with clients that have a willingness to be open and talk to me about what is troubling them. I am a very good listener and am very good at engaging clients. If someone wants strictly psychoeducation, there are others that do this very well. I use psychoeducation as necessary.
IFS is an approach that focuses on various parts of our personality and how they function. I like it because it is non-judgmental and can be valuable in dealing with trauma.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is an approach that emphases a relationship between the client and therapist, as well as an internal relationship within the client. It is important that I provide clients with deep listening, emotional support as well as challenges when needed.
As an trauma informed therapist, EMDR is very useful to help clients understand and appreciate the impacts of traumatic events and to help process them. I utilize bi-lateral stimulation in different ways to reduce anxiety and reduce the impact of traumatic events.
2 ratings with written reviews
May 10, 2025
It is so beneficial to have someone who listens so completely and hears things in what I say that I hadn't yet considered. He challenges me to stay with the hard stuff and figure it out and is so supportive of my journey to healing. This is the best thing I could have done for myself and I'm so grateful for him.
March 26, 2025
very helpful for my triggering episodes