Hi - I received my MSW degree in 2016 from California State University of Los Angeles. Because I entered the therapy world as my first employment I was able to pass my exam and gain my LCSW license in 2019. I worked for a community based therapy organization for 2 1/2 years. I then became a long term care ombudsman which means I am a resident advocate for individuals in skilled nursing facilities and residential care facilities for the elderly, a job I have held for 4 1/2 years. I have continued working with a few private clients during that time.
In our first session together, we will go over the information that has been given to me through intake and discuss what you want from therapy to make sure we are a good fit. We can then decide together on your first goal, and the steps to achieve it. One of our goals is to remove the obstacles that are blocking your path. Sometimes the individual doesn't realize what is standing in the way. I am all about collaborative and motivational talk therapy with some Cognitive Behavioral Therapy added to the mix as needed.
I have worked with individuals in therapy or by working with them to sort out problems in facilities for the past 7 years. My greatest strength is that I care a great deal - as long as I can help you. Sometimes we may find a client who isn't quite ready, or thinks their issues are someone else's fault. This scenario makes therapy difficult. But if you are willing to make some changes in mind, spirit and actions, and work together in therapy, usually we can find a solution. A perfect solution? Probably not. But perhaps the best solution for now.
I enjoy working with young people who are just starting out as they attempt to find their way around hurdles and disappointments as well as the joys of family and friends, and finding their first (or second, or third!) calling in life. I am also very open to working with older adults and their adult children as those hurdles and joys are often very different. I have two adult children, and four grandchildren plus the positive experience of reaching far into adulthood.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Attempting to focus on solutions rather than the problem which gives more power to the client and helps move the healing process forward.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
One example was assisting a client who was not able to drive on a particular freeway due to past traumatic memories regarding her family. Client took baby steps with this goal as we discussed issues during our therapy sessions and she was eventually able to drive the whole length of the freeway.