New to Grow
Transformation! Therapy changed my life many years ago. which motivated me to help others do the same. For 28 years, I've had the honor of engaging with people to heal from emotional pain and ineffective patterns that keep them from living the life they long for. My approach is genuine, caring and respectful to clients. You'll be accepted and we'll start right where you are and with your story. My interventions are based on clinical evidence, and you can read about the proven methods I use below. However, because of my experience as a client, I know it takes a real connection and genuine kindness to make it all work.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
You will be welcomed and accepted, just as you are. I'll ask questions to get to know you better and answer yours. Everyone has a story. I want to hear yours. What has life been like for you? How did you decide to reach out for therapy? What are you hoping for? At the end of our first visit, I hope you'll feel understood and begin to have hope that things can be better.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I understand that therapy is about YOU. I focus on your thoughts, feelings and experiences. I'll listen with empathy. I'll encourage and validate you. Sometimes I hope we laugh together. But I don't stop there. I'll provide treatment options that really WORK. I will challenge you - respectfully. Your life matters. I have a responsibility to give you the best care I can. I take that seriously.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
The best experiences I have are when clients are able to view themselves, others and their life in a better light. This comes through willingness to consider painful experiences and the origins of misbeliefs. It takes courage to do that and I'm so proud of their success.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is proven to be successful for depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, relationship issues and more. It helps to identify and challenge unhelpful/irrational thoughts and to learn how to change them. I've seen it help clients who then learn to help themselves.
Christian Counseling
For those who are seeking a faith-based perspective, I am delighted to do so. If a knowledge of the Bible, use of prayer and Christian values are important to you, we may be a great match. It is amazing how scripture aligns with CBT (see above) when it says, "take your thoughts captive" - "think on these things" - "renewing our mind" and others.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Are your life choices aligning with what truly matters to you? Is there a dissonance between your ideal self and how you're living. With ACT, you can identify your personal values and take steps to live the life you long to live.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is a practical guide to manage emotions, cope with distress, increase awareness and have more effective relationships. You will have worksheets that describe skills to use to meet your goals. It is evidenced-based treatment for personality problems, depression, relationship distress and more.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
This method engages the concept of unconditional positive regard. I believe people are worth understanding. Clients do not always agree or see things the way I do. In an atmosphere of care and respect, I do all I can to build an alliance so that together, your goals can be achieved. I learn from our differences and what I want the most is that you find answers and solve problems that bring us together.