LPCC, 12 years of experience
New to Grow
A resident of the Midwest and rust belt, I have been in the field since 2012. I graduated from Youngstown State University with a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice and Forensics. I went on to obtain my Masters degree in education with a focus on counseling, specifically addiction counseling. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a supervision designation, a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor, Department of Transportation qualified Substance Abuse Professional, and a Certified Employee Assistance Professional. I began my career working in the substance use field and then expanded into the world of employee assistance. I have the honor of working with law enforcement, first responders and military/veterans. Throughout my career I have worked with individuals struggling with work-related concerns, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, grief, trauma, PTSD, pre/post-partum depression and change of life challenges.
Statistics have show the biggest indicator of success in the counseling process is the clients' connection with their provider. The first session will be focused on introducing myself to you, and you to me. My goal is to learn what brought you into therapy and what you hope to see change, and not change. I appreciate when clients share insights into what has helped them up to this point, and the areas they still need support. For example, it's very helpful when a client tells me, "I love homework!" Sharing these insights helps me to guide the counseling process more smoothly.
I have been practicing from a client-centered perspective within my practice since I began, and it has helped empower and motivate patients across the spectrum of ages, genders, and presenting concerns. My years of experience with substance abuse, mental health concerns, employee-related acute stressors, first responder and veteran concerns have allowed me to focus my scope of practice and provide quality treatment for those I work with.
I have success working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, change of life concerns, acute stressors, pre and post-partum depression, and work-related concerns. I am well positioned to serve first responders, law enforcements, and military/veterans. I collaborate well with clients who are goal-directed and have internal motivation for change. I have worked most successfully with those who are looking to put in the effort outside of sessions to see change.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to help guide clients through the process of understanding the relationship between their thoughts, feelings and actions. CBT helps you to identify though patterns, challenge them and replace them with reality based beliefs. CBT is practical, focuses on the present, and teaches you skills to manage challenges like anxiety or depression.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) helps you manage intense emotions and build improved relationships. DBT teaches you skills like staying mindful, handling stress, and communicating effectively.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment (SFBT) is helpful to assist clients in narrowing in on an specific goal and developing the steps to achieve that goal. SFBT is additionally helpful for acute and short-term concerns. Not all clients believe they need therapy for years and solution focused brief treatment aligns with that belief.