I always knew that I wanted to be a helping professional. As part of an assignment, while taking a counseling course designed to assist offenders with substance abuse problems, I had to write in five words or less what I wanted people to remember about me. My words were “helped people live better lives.” I have over 30 years of experience working with clients who live with psychiatric and substance use disorders. I started my "helping" career working for the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC). After observing the effects of early childhood trauma on many of the offenders that I supervised, I decided to end my 21-year career with GDC and pursue an education in counseling. I have never regretted this decision! For the last 6 years I have provided psychotherapy for individuals and groups. I love doing what I believe I have been called to do and my life's work remains guided by those five simple words in my title. I look forward to helping you learn to live a better life!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I enjoy having that "get to know you" conversation first, therefore, I read the intake form AFTER the first session. I conceptualize auditorily the client's presenting problems, paying careful attention to tone, volume and pitch of the client's voice. These are clues for me as to the state of the client's internal world. Therefore, I ask much deeper questions than what are asked on the standard intake form. We can then discuss specific goals and objectives the client would like to accomplish during our time together in therapy. Our first, and possibly the second session is when I introduce the modality that I think may be beneficial for the client to consider. A homework assignment is given for the client to briefly research the modality after a brief psychoducational description is given by clinician. I believe that it's empowering for the client to participate in their treatment in this manner!
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Since I was a little girl, I have always noticed patterns. I believe I have a strong sense of identifying and understanding why and how certain behavioral, psychological and/or mental disorders originated. I present in the therapy with as much "Self Energy" as possible. I think that I listen very well and I am very compassionate with all of my clients. Having the ability the separate the person from the diagnosis is something I am very proud to be able to accomplish.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I enjoy working with young women ages 25-40. I am affectionally called "Mama Vonn" by some of my work daughters and I think this moniker fits very well. I also enjoy working with prior incarcerated and other disenfranchised persons.