New to Grow
I am a clinically licensed Social Worker with 19 years of experience in the mental health field. I enjoy working helping my clients actualize their goals. Life can be tough and even the strong need rest. In recognizing this, I focus on not only helping my clients strengthen areas which they feel deficient, but also ensure that self care is not just a thought, but is practiced. Over the years, I have worked with adolescents through the geriatric population, focusing on a variety of concerns ranging from relational difficulties, grief, anxiety, depression, and similar concerns.
During our first session, I like to get to know my new clients. I typically conduct an assessment consisting of a variety of questions to learn more about the reason you are seeking therapy, your goals for therapy, and relevant background information. I like to structure the first session as more of a conversation to help my clients feel comfortable. So be prepared to laugh, cry, smile, and connect during our first session!
I have always had a drive to help others. As far back as I can remember, I was always willing to help others. Over the years, my desire to help others has morphed into a Social Work degree and ultimately into the mental health field. When I work with clients, I come from a caring and compassionate perspective. I want to understand my clients to ensure that I provide them with the best possible therapeutic experience. I also have a sense of humor and will use humor during therapy sessions. I can also be direct, when needed, but in a therapeutic, non-confrontational manner. Most importantly, I understand the importance of keeping your word. I hold myself to a higher standard than my clients. If we have an appointment scheduled, I will be logged on. If there is an emergency that arises that may impact our scheduled session, I reschedule for another time/day in the same week. The therapeutic relationship is important, but also fragile. I respect the fragility of the relationship to ensure my clients can feel safe and secure with me as their therapist.
Are you experiencing struggles with day to day life? Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, relationship problems (familial, interpersonal, romantic), or difficulty with creating and maintaining boundaries? Are you struggling with grief? Are you struggling at work? Do you feel that you do not have anyone you can talk to without feeling judged? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions or have similar situations, then lets work together! I specialize working with clients who have a variety of concerns and/or struggles that they are significantly impacting their lives. My ideal client is one who is ready to "do the work" to achieve his or her goals. I enjoy working with clients who are driven and are ready for change despite the uncomfortableness of the journey. During sessions, I typically use CBT, Mindfulness practices, Strength-Based Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to name a few. I am also known for giving homework and encourage all clients to have a special notebook for sessions.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is the primary treatment method I use with clients. I find it to be helpful with clients helping to understand their responses to various situations.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I believe that it is important to be culturally sensitive and ensure that I utilize culturally sensitive therapy during sessions with clients, being mindful of cultural differences and how they may influence decision making, relationship dynamics, etc.
Faith based therapy
For clients who are believers, I engage in faith based therapy as faith is often a major influence in the decisons that we make and how we handle difficult situations.
Grief Therapy
Grief is an unfortunate part of our reality and because it can oftentimes be uncomfortable, many of us choose to avoid it. I work with clients to help normalize their grief/grief reactions and to move forward while still honoring the memories of those who we have lost.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I think it is very important for us to be present. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we sometimes forget to stop and pay attention to what is in front us. I enjoy working with clients, helping them to be present and not allow distractions to interfere with their wellbeing.