LPC, 20 years of experience
Hi, my name is Patria, and I am an LPC based in Georgia. I also practice in Connecticut via telehealth. I received my Masters degree in 2004, concentrating in counseling psychology. Since the mid 1990's I have worked as a case manager, substance abuse counselor, and a psychotherapist. I have also worked in various CT courts, residential, in-patient, as well as out-patient clinics.
First session is usually a conversation on confidentiality, and also questions regarding mental health history. These questions are needed in order to assess symptoms for an initial diagnosis.
Having worked in the field for such an extended period, I find that I have experienced so many different people, places, and personalities. It reminds me that no two people are alike, and that it is always necessary to learn more in order to understand more.
Because I love working on the how's and whys of human behavior, experiencing changes, even the small ones bring great fulfillment. Seeing someone being able to use new coping tools they have learned in order to maintain better mental health. In the past, I worked with children and their parents. I enjoyed that area, however, as a mother, I found it necessary to now focus on adults.