LCSW, 20 years of experience
I am a licensed therapist in NY State and have been practicing social work for over 20 years. Therapy is a journey and a relationship. Each client is their own expert and is steering the ship when they work with me. I am the navigator. I will consistently give you honesty, respect and a space to be fully heard and validated. The directions we go and the goals we set will be up to you to decide. Therapy can be very intense at times, bu it does not have to feel like work. I am here to help you carry the load and lift the weight of your problems off your shoulders.
I always start by letting clients ask any questions or concerns up front and letting them choose where we start. I always review confidentiality and communication expectations and repeatedly check to make sure we are on the same page as we move forward. I am not quick to jump to a diagnosis or problem-solving suggestions unless there is an urgency on these topics being driven by the client's request.
My humanity and humility are my biggest assets. I am confident with my clinical skills, but do not take myself so serious that I am unwilling to hear constructive criticism or feedback that will help strengthen our therapeutic relationshp and the therapeutic process. I love learning from my clients what is and isn't working for them and they make me a stronger clinician every day. Being able to celebrate client's satisfaction meeting their goals is the most rewarding part of this job.
I have the most experience with teenagers and young adults struggling with life transitions, relationships, future planning, self-care, coping skills, and overall mental health wellbeing. 1st and 2nd generation immigrants attempting to navigate the challenges of culture, family and mental health. Clients who prefer consistent weekly video sessions. Clients who are not afraid to step out of their comfort zone and trust the therapy process. I am very comfortable working with clients who have English as their 2nd language and clients from the LGBTQ+ community. Clients who want to address their trauma (past or present) and interested in EMDR as a treatment method.
Therapy is not one size fits all. And every client is unique. Whether you are looking for therapy to address life stressors or more intense mental health diagnosis and symptom management, I always look at a client's presentation holistically with an emphasis on possible traumas (past or present) that may be influencing the client's issues.
I have worked extensitvely with clients with various cultural background than me and understand their engagement and approach to getting services may need to be more non-traditional or holistic and that their culture must be incorporated and respected into the work we do together.
I have worked with clients in the LGBTQ+ community and recognize the importance of honoring clients' expressive gender and always meet them where they are at in that process.
Althought not officially certified yet, I have completed EMDR training and recognize how beneficial this treatment method can be regardless of diagnosis or presenting issues in order to improve symptom management and help clients get "unstuck" with whatever issues they are currently experiencing that previous life experiences (usually some form of trauma) may have influenced.