I have a diverse background in work and education with 20 years in the business arena (retail & finance). I moved into higher education teaching and the mental health field 20 years ago. My specialty is substance use disorder and I am knowledgable about most substances (licit & illicit) that often get abused. My MA in psychology was focused on Binge Eating Disorder which I struggled with in childhood and began self-medicating with cannabis by the time I was 14 years old. I found pills in my late teens and crystal meth in my early 20's which brought me to my knees by my mid 20's. I met my first psychotherapist at 25 and she turned my life around, that was when I made up my mind what my life goal would be. I also hold an MS in political science and a SYC in education, with two associate and two bachelor degrees. I am also a published author working on my fouth book (Who do you say that I am? Christian Meditations on the Sermon on the Mount for Recovery).
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
At the first session I will listen to what you want to accomplish, what particular problems or goals you have, or if you are just trying to reach a higher ground. Also, a history about your past will be done and then we can decide if we want to move further and develop a treatment plan.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I think I have a past that creates my ability to be a good therapist. I came from a place of dysfunction where many clients may be, I survived the family abuse, the eating disorder in childhood, being the pothead in high school, the crystle meth head in my 20's. I know what it's like to go to sleep clutching a bottle of pills thinking about taking them but knowing how the family would bash me if I lived through it. The things that saved me were therapy, my faith, my mother's support, and my love of learning. I attended various colleges and universities and so I have a strong diverse educational background, secular and faith based. I am also 65 years old and have much wisdom to offer. I am very devout to my spirituality and consciousness and always striving to rise to a higher level.