New to Grow
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the last 11 years. I am laid back yet professional. I will come to our session with either my coffee or my hot cup of tea so I encourage you to feel comfortable as well during our time together. I feel our mental health is a marathon, not a sprint. Building or rebuilding who we feel we want to be takes conscious, intentional, and respectful time. I come to session with an agenda that supports your treatment goals and unless something has come up that you need to get off your shoulders, we will stick to the agenda, so your treatment goals are respected and your desired outcomes reached. I look forward to meeting you and getting started.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During our first session, we will review your intake packet and assessments. I will ask questions so that I may properly diagnose. The first session also allows me the opportunity to understand your previous history, current struggles, and your ultimate desires. We will work to set up your treatment goals during your first session, however if we run out of time, we will set up your treatment goals at your second visit and then begin working on them at that time.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I have had the privilege of working in an array of areas and with different age groups. I meet the patient where they currently are mentally/emotionally and move at the patient's pace while gently moving the therapeutic process forward. Within the treatment process I check in periodically on how the patient feels they are progressing with their treatment goals and see if any changes need to be made. We look at what has been successful as well as any barriers that may be in the way and we work to reduce any barriers. Open communication leads to a great working relationship.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am best positioned to serve someone who is ready for change. It is okay for someone to be scared and unsure of their capabilities however I need my patient to know they want change, even if they are not sure how to get there (I can help with that second part). So long as my patients are active participants in their treatment, on time, show up, complete their homework, and do their best, I know we can make progress.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Utilizing CBT allows us to explore why the patient is feeling the way they are, as well as exploring unhealthy patterns of thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. Unhealthy patterns of thoughts processes or behaviors may be learned or modeled by others. Understanding patterns can assist us in creating new and healthier thoughts and behaviors which ultimately give the patient the results they are looking for.
Couples Counseling
In couples counseling, we explore how each other feels as individuals first and then how we can mutually and respectfully come together as a couple to speak effectively with each other to make mutually beneficial decisions for the relationship and family.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
ERP is a treatment to assist those who struggle with anxiety and OCD symptoms. We learn about how our bodies respond to anxiety stressors as well as how to lean into the anxiety vs. leaning away from it. In doing so, our anxiety actually lessens.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing allows for further learning into the patient's struggles. It allows the patient to be able to describe in more detail their view of the concerns.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Prolonged Exposure Therapy is a treatment used for adults who have been through trauma. Within this treatment the patient is given a lot of education about trauma symptoms and how these symptoms can impact them and change their thoughts. As part of this modality, coping skills is a large component which will be discussed, practiced, and referred to often. Through a gradual slow and steady process, we eventually begin to discuss the specific trauma the patient has experienced, how it impacted them, and what the patient wants for their future. Through this work of processing one's trauma, healing is occurring from within.