(she/her)
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I feel very passionate about creating a space that is safe and welcoming for my clients. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology through Penn State and my Masters of Social Work through Edinboro University. I have previously worked with Penn Highlands Behavioral Health and Western Psychiatric Hospital in outpatient settings. I have experience with group settings, individual psychotherapy, and play therapy for young children.
During my sessions, I like to get to know what my clients want me to know. I believe that fitting well with your therapist is the most important part of therapy. There is no pressure to share anything that you feel uncomfortable doing so, but I am open to learning anything about you that you feel is important for me to know! I feel that it is important to help others by being open and accepting, I also engage in some light hearted humor at times. Some laughter is good for everyone!
Having a wide range of experience with all ages, I feel as though I have been able to provide support throughout many different stages of life. I have always been very open and honest with my clients about what they can expect from me throughout their therapy sessions. We are all human and we are all looking to improve in one way or another!
I have experience working with all ages, infants up to geriatrics. Although I love working with a wide range of clients, I focus mostly on teenagers and young adults. I enjoy being able to help individuals through the big transitions throughout their lives and help to ease some of the stress that comes with those transitions. My goal is to help individuals gain the tools and encouragement that they need so that they are able to overcome challenges on their own.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Throughout my therapy sessions, I help clients challenge some of their anxious thoughts and try to decrease the anxiety by thinking of best case scenarios, worst case scenarios, and most likely to happen. I then have them rate if worst case scenario were to happen, would it still bother them in an hour, a day, a week, a month, etc. I also have workbooks for younger kids to work through some CBT skills.
Family Therapy
There are many times that I will work with parents and their children, siblings, or even couples. I offer the families an open space to discuss some of their concerns while guiding and supporting everyone the opportunity to express their needs.
Group Therapy
I have participated in small groups for social skills, behavior modification, and learning coping skills. I have also developed a group for adolescents to discuss healthy relationships.
Motivational Interviewing
I tend to use motivational interviewing throughout the session to engage the client in making their own decisions for treatment, or guiding them to solve their own questions. I encourage clients to empower themselves as well as providing verbal praise whenever they express situations where they have engaged in a positive choice for themselves.
Play Therapy
I have been trained in Child Centered Play Therapy. I let the children lead the play and I do not ask straight questions, but rather engage in "I wonder" statements to get the child to express more through their play.