Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Florida. I received my Master's degree at Florida Atlantic University and have 10 years of experience working with children, teens, adults and families. I truly want my clients to believe that they deserve help and the care for their mental health and wellbeing. I am passionate about motivating clients to best utilize their strengths and discover their abilities to overcome challenges in their lives and manage conflicts in their relationships.
In our first session, clients can expect to get to know me and how I am available to assist them. Clients will be asked to share what challenges they are facing, and work with me to create an individualized treatment plan with objectives to work on throughout our future sessions. Clients will have the opportunity to share their expectations and what may have worked for them in the past or what they have liked or do not like in therapy sessions.
My greatest strengths as a provider include my genuine interactions and desire to help my clients see that they deserve the time and energy to create a better life for themselves. Whether my clients need an ear to hear their concerns or a specific toolbox of skills to practice; I am available to provide both, so that the needs of my clients are best met.
I am passionate about empowering teens, young adults, parents, and individuals who may be feeling overwhelmed with a recent change or has difficulty coping with a loss in one's life. My clients may not know, just where to begin. My clients want to be heard and validated, and are provided support to prioritize their needs, identify their strengths and supports, and work towards achieving goals.
Sometimes it is difficult to see our potential and future possibilities when we hold onto old thinking patterns. Clients will practice and acquire skills (CBT tools) how to identify and change cognitive distortions. With use of cognitive restructuring, clients gain skills to identify and challenge maladaptive thoughts that have been causing one stress and negative thinking patterns. Clients learn the importance of replacing negative thoughts that have been contributing to unhealthy thinking patterns, feelings and behaviors.
Clients utilize DBT techniques to manage their emotions using tools such as mindfulness and distress tolerance. Using interpersonal effectiveness skills can assist the client to learn how to set boundaries and express one's needs so that more satisfying personal interactions can occur. Clients will learn to cope with overwhelming situations in life, as they work towards accepting opposing emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, even if they do not approve of it; and learn that they can still confidently move on.
Without a plan, reaching a goal may feel overwhelming and nearly impossible. With Solution Focused Brief Therapy, clients work on specific objectives and measurable goals from one's individualized treatment plan. Focus begins on client's strengths and utilizes resources, as client becomes empowered to overcome challenges. Clients are actively involved in creating their treatment plan objectives to reach their goals. Therapist will use various questions to promote client's self-awareness and self-reflection towards change.
Working many years in the residential group home setting, interactions with residents always included Trauma Informed Care to provide a safe and productive environment. Youth clients as well as family members were treated with respect and interactions were genuine to avoid re-traumatization. Trauma Informed Care provides framework to acknowledge a client's individual experience; work in collaboration with those in the community (as needed) such as mental health providers, group home staff, court liaisons (for dependency care), and school; and incorporate best practices towards resiliency and well-being for the child and family. Clients are able to express thoughts and feelings freely, practice relaxation and grounding techniques, and use various therapies such as behavioral, art, sand tray, and play therapy techniques during sessions.
One the worst feelings could be feeling unsupported and alone. Using grief therapy techniques, clients have the opportunity to feel supported when experiencing a significant loss, bereavement, or change in one's life that brings overwhelming emotions, including guilt, anxiety, and or depression. Clients can express thoughts and feelings about one's loss and build coping strategies to accept the loss, work through the pain, and adjust to life after a loss. Grief therapy helps client understand the grieving process, offer a variety of ways to grieve, and guide clients toward self-care strategies.