LCSW, 25 years of experience
Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist. I received my Masters degree from East Carolina University and have been working with individuals for 20 years. My focus includes working with adults who are struggling with substance use disorders beginning the process of recovery and addressing the underlying factors contributing to these behaviors. I also work with family members of those who are struggling with addiction to develop healthy coping strategies and boundaries. My experience includes with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem and other life transitions.
In our first session together, we will have brief introductions, and then we will explore specific challenges you're facing. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.
My motivation to become a therapist was based on life experiences and coming to understand the human capacity to overcome life's challenges. The missing piece for many individuals is an environment with unconditional positive regard. Working from a strengths perspective, I believe you are the expert on you. Helping you gain clarity leads to self-actualization and the ongoing process of personal growth.
I enjoy working with individuals who are ready to create a better life for themselves and their families. These individuals are open to learning and implementing strategies and engage in problem solving discussions to increase self-awareness and motivation for change.
CBT has been an effective method of treatment responding to a variety of stressors reported by clients. This therapy model will build skill sets enabling clients to identify thoughts and feelings that impact their behaviors. Clients will experience improved emotional states by changing unhealthy patterns in their thoughts and behaviors.
This is the foundation of an effective therapeutic relationship to create an environment for personal growth. This occurs when the client receives unconditional positive regard, genuineness and empathetic understanding from the therapist resulting in their ability to make healthy changes creating a more fulfilling life.
This form of therapy has been helpful working with clients struggling with addiction. It is used to increase the individual's motivation to move forward in their steps to recovery.