I'm an experienced Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Connecticut and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Massachusetts, with five years of practice. I specialize in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to assist individuals facing various mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, and peer relationships. My approach is grounded in compassion, empathy, understanding, and honesty, fostering a supportive environment for clients to navigate their personal journeys.
In our first therapy session together, I begin by introducing myself and providing an overview of what you can expect from our therapeutic journey. This includes explaining the therapeutic process, discussing confidentiality and safety protocols to ensure your privacy and well-being, and outlining the assessment and diagnostic procedures that may be involved if necessary. We'll take time to review important details such as the no-show policy, ensuring clarity and mutual understanding of our commitment to the therapeutic process. Following this introduction, the majority of our session will be dedicated to you. I'll create a safe and supportive space for you to openly discuss your symptoms, experiences, and any challenges you're facing. You'll have the opportunity to articulate your concerns in detail, identifying how long you've been experiencing them and how they impact your life. This dialogue allows me to gain a comprehensive understanding of your unique situation, enabling me to provide effective support and, if needed, to make accurate assessments or diagnoses. Our initial session sets the foundation for our work together, emphasizing collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to your well-being.
As a therapist, my greatest strengths lie in my approach to meeting clients where they are in their journey. I prioritize forming a genuine connection and building trust by actively listening and getting to know each client individually. This creates a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable being open and vulnerable. I firmly believe in collaboration, working together to formulate a treatment plan that aligns with the client's goals. I understand that change is a dynamic process, so I remain flexible and open to adjusting our approach as needed. My commitment to non-judgmental support means I serve as my clients' biggest cheerleader, offering encouragement and empowerment, especially during moments of perceived failure. While I embody patience and understanding, I also recognize the importance of challenging clients when they're ready to grow. I provide honest and transparent feedback, fostering a space for self-reflection and personal growth. Additionally, my flexibility with scheduling underscores the significance of clear communication and ensures that our sessions are convenient and accessible for clients. Overall, my strengths as a therapist lie in my ability to form genuine connections, provide empathetic support, and facilitate meaningful growth through collaboration, honesty, and flexibility.
I enjoy working with is someone who demonstrates a genuine desire for change and is open to exploring themselves. They're curious about their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and eager to learn more about themselves and how they interact with the world. Despite being ready for change, they may find themselves struggling at times due to their own patterns or barriers. This client is willing to put in the effort and work collaboratively with me to address their challenges. They understand that change is a process and are committed to it, even if they sometimes stumble along the way. With additional support and guidance, they are motivated to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Overall, they're someone who is proactive in their own growth, receptive to feedback and guidance, and demonstrates resilience in the face of setbacks. Working with such clients is not only rewarding but also fosters a dynamic and productive therapeutic relationship.
While working together I often emphasize the importance of discussing a persons thought process and beliefs around their experienced stressors and the emotions that are felt as a result of them. One established, we can explore how both thoughts and feelings often affect the way one acts or reacts to stressors, which will provide insight as to how to alter a person's mind set and begin the process of changing the feelings and behaviors that follow.