Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Texas. I received my Masters from the University of Texas at San Antonio and have been practicing for nearly 20 years. I help adults of all ages struggling with family, relationships, work, and other stressors that can become barriers to our functioning, enjoyment, and future plans. I work with my clients to go from surviving to living to thriving.
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, then dive into the specific challenges you're facing. I will ask questions about your history and previous experiences in a way that may feel similar to going to your doctor for an annual physical. This will help me understand your background and develop a personalized plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.
In the 20 years that I have done this work, I offer unconditional acceptance and support. I often tell clients "it is my job to like you no matter what". I want all my clients to feel safe to share anything that may be concerning them, especially if they disagree with one of my recommendations. I want to know, as I want to work with clients to develop skills that work for them.
I incorporate the four main components of DBT with clients that give them the tools and skills to manage their emotions and responses more effectively. These include mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation.
CBT is utilized to better understand how our emotions and thoughts (cognitions) drive our behavior. In this modality work is done to challenge the cognitions and behave in a way that is more consistent and reflective of who a person is.
Strengths based approach is a lens used to identify the positive, protective, and resilient qualities that allow one to recognize their efforts and see how far they have come no matter what.
Trauma informed care is a widely used approach that considers our reactions may be based in previous traumatic experiences versus what my be actually occurring. This provides the context to view behavior objectively as a protective factor versus being perceived as intentional or harmful in nature.
The rapport, relationship, and alliance formed through therapy are a key factor in client's experiencing a higher sense of empowerments and effectiveness. The relational approach takes into account that the dynamics that exist within the therapeutic relationship can be used in everyday relationships to have more authentic and meaningful connections.