New to Grow
I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who knows that you are much more than a diagnosis. Having spent many years working in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and with people in a variety of difficult legal and personal situations, I tend to be unflappable. I want to help you control the anxiety and depression that can feel so limiting. As someone in recovery myself, I welcome those who are looking to move beyond the stifling grip of substance abuse. I begin from a place of acceptance and positive regard, and utilize evidence-based strategies in collaboration with the client, to come together in a plan for meaningful growth.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session is going to be a combination of past and present. What is bringing you to therapy at this time, but also what is your history with therapy and with the issues are now experiencing? We will explore 'standard' intake information regarding your family background, your current support system, and the elements of your everyday life as you are living now, with a view to developing a plan for moving forward to achieve the results you want to reach, and moving at the pace you are ready to move.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I spent much of my life using humor as a defense mechanism and means of deflection, but now find it can be an effective therapy tool --at the right time and in the right doses-- useful for broaching difficult topics or pointing out problematic thought patterns. Having worked as a Clinical Supervisor (helping other therapists be more effective) for over a decade, I refined my ability to provide gentle guidance and support, while also helping others find their motivation and engage their authentic selves in their work.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
Are you stuck in a loop of doom-scrolling, sleeping, or drinking to avoid addressing situations you'd rather ignore? Do you feel like you're hiding out from your own life, or maybe like you just don't have the energy or motivation to engage with it? Maybe you're finding yourself getting irritated or angry at the kinds of things that used to just roll off your back. Well, let's sort that out together by figuring out the source of the difficulties and what can be done about them in terms of your thoughts, actions, and general response patterns. Let's collaborate to figure out what specific tools work for you.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, we can work together to readily adapt its core principles to your individual situation and help identify problematic thought patterns that may be contributing to difficulties.
Motivational Interviewing
Utilizing Motivational Interviewing, together we will identify areas of change you are hoping to make and set practical steps to move toward improvements.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Unconditional Positive Regard is the foundation on which I build client relationships and find a collaborative way to move forward. As Carl Rogers notes, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”