LPC, 30 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi, thanks for reaching out for help. I have over 30 years of experience in many areas of mental health, including counseling, psychiatric and substance use assessments in hospital emergency departments ; I have worked with adults, adolescents an$ couples. I have also been consultant to managers and supervisors seeking guidance for employees with mental health/ substance issues. I have an open, compassionate approach and will work together with you to help you break free of the issues that are holding you back or keeping you stuck. You are not alone: so many of us- including myself- face these challenges. I’m available for an initial, brief phone conversation to answer any questions you might have, and to determine if I would be a good fit.
I invite clients to call me for an initial 10-15 min phone consultation to ask any questions, express any concerns, and see if it might be a “good fit.” The first session involves me asking what brought you to therapy, allow you to tell your story, and ask questions about your symptoms, history, emotional well-being, your core concerns, and what you would like out of therapy. We will discuss goals for therapy and I may give you some “homework” or send you resources related to your issues.
I have a very relaxed, open approach which seems to put my clients at ease. I can talk about any concern without judgement. I don’t have a particular agenda, but I’m there for the client’s unique concerns, and allow clients to tell their story. I’m also very interactive, and offer education, suggestions and some of my own experiences when appropriate. I use cognitive-behavioral and acceptance strategies to help the client find move forward. We work together as collaborators to identify and address the issue.
I work very well with clients of all ages and backgrounds. My specialties tend to be helping individuals, particularly men with relationship issues, addictions, social anxiety and mild-moderate depression, and those seeking to find purpose and meaning in their lives. I can also approach issues from a Christian perspective. I use a variety of strategies to explore with the client what is getting in the way of becoming their best selves, and to clear away the debris of behaviors and defenses that no longer serve them. I have a very calm and easy-going approach and can tackle just about any issue with confidence.
I approach each client with unconditional acceptance and positive regard; I try to meet each client "where they are" and establish rapport with empathy and compassion.
I work with clients on recognizing what they can control vs what they cannot, and promote a Mindfulness approach, which involves responding to their issues with curiosity rather than with avoidance and fear.
Will help client understand that irrational and negative thoughts can influence their emotional state. One strategy may be to ask client to challenge these thoughts to determine if there is evidence to support them, and then to revise their thoughts to reflect more rational thinking.
Explore with client the importance of finding purpose and meaning in their life, and how emotional difficulties can arise when these things are missing.
I may incorporate several approaches, including, CBT, Humanistic, ACT, and Attachment theory to help the client. I would integrate my therapy and tailor my approach to fit the client's unique needs.