New to Grow
I am a driven and creative individual. I am a psychotherapist and a professional cellist. Having two careers side by side gives me a unique perspective and ability to connect with people in the therapy setting. I am a problem solver and I enjoy doing so in a collaborative manner. I try to foster a space where constant learning and growth is happening. I especially love being a safe person and providing a safe environment for people to practice new skills with. I believe that if I'm going to teach something new to someone that it's best if I am practiced at it as well. I enjoy trying things together and am not afraid to think on my feet and be spontaneous in sessions. To me therapy should be like taking vitamins; a regular part of your health routine. Even therapists go to therapy (at least they should!).
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During our first session I would like to get a sense of who you are and a sense of where you are at in your life. This is partly an information gathering session and a beginning to establishing some goals based on immediate need. I will gather more extensive background as we go on in therapy. Generally, people come to therapy with a specific problem or life event. I want that to be introduced in the first session even if we don't dive in too deep with it (I want you to be ready!). I think it's really important for people to have the stage for their immediate concerns rather than just asking question after question for an hour. We are people, not computers!
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I am flexible in my approach to psychotherapy. My go-to theories are CBT, DBT, and Mindfulness. However, I borrow from a lot of theories and practices. I like to tailor sessions to my individual clients. Everyone has their own unique responses to practices and new skills. There is no shortage of skills to try out. We'll find what works for you. I'm not sensitive about skills that I like. If you don't like something, it doesn't interest you, or you just need things explained more thoroughly, speak up. I always welcome questions and challenges. My flexibility and problem solving skills give me a lot of freedom to find what will work for individuals.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I enjoy working with creative individuals. That being said; I think most people are creative. Some of us just haven't found our niche yet. I really love helping people to awaken their uniqueness and creativity. I am flexible in my delivery. I can be very direct and leading of that is what you need. I can let you lead and then offer feedback. I think collaboration is really rewarding for everyone and find that eventually my most successful clients land somewhere on the collaboration spectrum. Largely, therapy evolves and changes over time. I think you will get the most out of therapy when you are open to change and willing to try new things.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have been trained and certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy through the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists. I have been using CBT for 10 years. I use it to teach individuals how and why they interact with people and the world around them. CBT offers people new ways of thinking and the opportunity to respond to people and various situations in new ways.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I had one on one training in DBT in a hospital setting and have been using this treatment method for 12 years. I find these tools really helpful across the board. I specifically like to use them to enhance my client's experiences in interactions with others; personal and professional. This therapy is great for learning to interact with others in the most helpful ways.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Influenced by the community where I grew up, Culturally Sensitive Therapy has been very important to me since my early days of psychology study. I have kept up with continuing education in this area every year and keep myself informed about current events and the political climate that affects individuals culturally.