Sudden life changes such as the loss of a loved one, the death of a pet, or diagnosis with a chronic or debilitating disease, are hard to handle. Being a caregiver for a loved one who has a chronic or terminal illness can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience; but it also comes with stresses that can be hard for friends and family to understand. Being a person who needs help to manage day to day activities of living can also be difficult, even if the help is appreciated. Illness, loss of mobility, reduced independence, physical and emotional pain can change your relationship with others and with yourself. Even positive life transitions such as retirement, promotions, or reprioritizing your work/life balance to focus on what matters, can be stressful. Whatever changes you are going through can impact your ability to find meaning, a sense of purpose, or hope in your life. Whether you have always struggled with feelings of depression and anxiety, or they have come as a result of these changes in your life, I believe therapy can help. I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2004, and am currently offering individual therapy via telehealth for clients in Pennsylvania. Before becoming a psychotherapist in Pennsylvania, I worked in developing and delivering community and mental health services in Arizona. Throughout my career I have worked closely with older adults, caregivers, members of the disability community, residents in long term care, and residents in transitional and emergency housing for older victims of elder abuse and intimate partner violence. I have lived experience with chronic illness, disability, and remote caregiving. I am a member of the LGBTQ+ community and a survivor of suicide. I bring all of this professional and personal experience to my practice.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
When we first meet, I will ask lots of questions about what is going on in your life, what has brought you to therapy at this moment, and what your hopes are for the future. I will tell you more about myself, and how we might work together to get you closer to those goals. If you choose to continue with me we will get you on the schedule for several weeks out; and I will answer any questions you may have about therapy, my role as a therapist, how we will measure success, and what I will be documenting for your insurance company.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Throughout the course of my career I have worked in inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, vocational services, emergency and transitional housing, senior centers, home-based services and community mental health. I am able to remain calm and focused no matter how upsetting, painful, or unusual the issues you bring up in session may be; and it is likely I have encountered a similar issue before. I also believe in the power of a sense of humor; and hope that we will be able to laugh together before our work is done.