People can make better decisions if they have enough information and understanding about how counseling works. Here are some aspects of counseling and therapy as I perceive and practice it: Therapeutic counseling requires your active involvement including efforts to change any self-defeating thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. You will be asked to work both in and out of the therapeutic counseling sessions. I may occasionally request that you do “homework” (ok-not a formal request because life happens and inevitably it will be that you have life duties to attend to but maybe jotting things down or making notes for yourself kind of homework) by way of providing you with further reinforcement to concepts discussed in session or simply to prompt further insight and self- exploration. There are no instant, painless, or passive cures, no “magic pills”. Instead, there will be ongoing personal and spiritual growth that can occur with your conscious effort. Most likely, you will need to work on improving stress management, cognitions (e.g. beliefs and thought processes), emotional health, relationships, and your general lifestyle if counseling is to be successful. Sometimes change will be relatively easy but more often change takes much effort, time, and persistence. My hope for you is that you grow into your best self in the present and that that allows you to be your best version for your future. Therapy is about YOU and your needs. I specialize in trauma, mood, and anxiety disorders and am an LGBTQ++ ally and kink-aware professional.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
My hope for every session is that the person I am working with feels supported, accepted, and genuinely cared for. I do not judge and I am accepting and respectful to all. My first session is more about the person that I am meeting deciding if I am a good fit for their needs. I am open and honest and transparent and I have a big personality. All of these traits convey in how I am as a human and as a therapist. I hope that if you decide I am a good fit for you, we move forward and process through the concerns and issues that brought you to counseling at your pace. I am non-directive in that I feel that sessions are driven by the person and their experience rather than solely by the therapist.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I am very open to processing whatever is bringing you to therapy. I am extremely empathetic and feel that I am where I am supposed to be, doing what I am meant to do, and I will be present for you as you reach your counseling goals.