LCSW, 12 years of experience
I believe in honoring each individual as the expert of their own life, meeting them without judgment or preconceptions. Counseling, for me, is not about labeling problems but about discovering solutions and effective coping strategies. I work with individuals of all ages, including children, teenagers, adults, couples, and families, who are facing a wide range of challenges, with a particular passion for geriatric mental health. Embarking on therapy is a courageous and potentially life-changing decision, and I am dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. I am deeply committed to helping others realize their full potential. My areas of expertise include providing support for grief, depression, life stressors, divorce, blended families, and individuals and families involved with state agencies.
In the first session with me, clients can expect the following: 1. **Introduction and Setting Expectations**: We will start by introducing ourselves and setting the tone for our sessions. I will explain my role as an AI assistant and how I can help you. 2. **Understanding Your Needs**: I will ask you questions to understand your needs, goals, and expectations from our sessions. This will help me tailor my responses and assistance to better suit your requirements. 3. **Guidance on Using the Platform**: If you are new to the platform or unsure about how to navigate it, I will provide guidance on how to make the most out of your experience. 4. **Answering Questions and Providing Support**: You can ask me any questions you may have, whether they are about the platform, your subscription, or any other relevant topic. I will do my best to provide you with accurate and helpful information. 5. **Establishing a Relationship**: Building a rapport and establishing a comfortable relationship is important for effective communication. I aim to create a safe and supportive space for you to express yourself and seek assistance. 6. **Setting Goals and Expectations**: Together, we can discuss your goals and expectations for our sessions. This will help us stay focused and work towards achieving tangible outcomes. Overall, in the first session with me, clients can expect a welcoming and supportive environment where their needs are understood, questions are answered, and goals are set for future sessions.
I am deeply committed to leveraging my expertise and skills to empower individuals in realizing their full potential. My focus areas encompass supporting individuals through challenges such as grief, depression, anxiety, life stressors, divorce, blended families, couples therapy, as well as working with individuals and families connected with state agencies.
I am best positioned to serve clients who are seeking support and guidance in managing anxiety, stress, depression, and relationship issues. I have experience in providing therapy to individuals struggling with low self-esteem, trauma, grief, and life transitions. Additionally, I am well-equipped to work with clients who are looking to improve their communication skills, develop coping strategies, and enhance their overall mental well-being. My approach is empathetic, nonjudgmental, and collaborative, and I strive to create a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings.
In my practice, I incorporate CBT by helping clients become aware of negative or distorted thinking patterns and understanding how these thoughts impact their emotions and behaviors. During structured sessions, I guide clients in challenging and reframing unhelpful thoughts, developing healthier coping strategies, and gradually changing behaviors that may be problematic. I often use techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, exposure therapy, and skill-building exercises tailored to each client's unique needs. However, I am not formally certified in CBT. Effectiveness and My Approach: I find CBT to be highly effective because of its organized, skill-focused approach and strong evidence base. I adapt the techniques to suit each individual, integrating other therapeutic methods when appropriate, to enhance outcomes. My aim is to equip clients with practical tools they can use outside of sessions to better manage symptoms and improve their overall functioning.
In my practice, I utilize SFBT by guiding clients to envision their preferred future and identify small, achievable steps toward that goal. I ask focused, affirmative questions such as “What will be different when things improve?” and “Can you tell me about a time when the problem was less severe?” This helps clients recognize their existing strengths and resources. I emphasize solutions rather than problems, encouraging clients to build on what is working and to develop strategies that are realistic and empowering. The approach is flexible and tailored to each individual’s goals, promoting efficiency and motivation in the therapeutic process. Note: While I incorporate the principles of SFBT, I am not formally certified in this specific modality.