LCSW, 30 years of experience
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) ,with over 30 years of experience. I have experience working with people who have depression, anxiety, substance abuse disorder, relationship issues, and anger management. I also have expertise working with clients who have suffered from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. I am an experienced life coach, helping individuals to improve their self-esteem, self-confidence, and motivation. I assist clients in transitioning to new careers, or relationships, and identifying and achieving their life goals. My counseling style is direct and caring. I demonstrate good listening skills, and encourage clients to actively engage in counseling sessions, and follow through with the treatment plan that we mutually design. A positive first step is recognizing a problem and seeking help. If you are truly ready to change, and willing to put in the work, I am here to help you achieve contentment and fulfill your goals in life.
In the first session, I want to identify the reasons for treatment, establish realistic goals, and develop a treatment plan. As treatment progresses, the client will get a good understanding of my compassionate, but direct style. After working together for awhile, the client will begin to see the results of following the treatment plan, that was mutually agreed upon in the first session, and modified throughout the sessions, as needed.
In therapy, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness Therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: The objective is to change distorted thinking patterns. The first step is to identify these thinking patterns, and the second step is to reevaluate and change these negative thoughts. Motivational Interviewing process involves the therapist guiding the client through an interview process to help the person find a good reason to change. Solution Focused Therapy is a future oriented and goal -directed method, focusing on the client's strengths , not her/his weaknesses. The therapist helps the client develop the resources and coping abilities needed to achieve her/his goals.
One of my strengths is that I utilize a variety counseling techniques with different clients, depending on what I perceive their needs to be. I often integrate aspects of each technique, when appropriate. In addition, I also incorporate life coaching skills to help the clients get past difficult situations and encourage them to persevere to achieve their goals.
I enjoy working with most clients regardless of age, gender ,sexual preference, race and ethnicity. I especially enjoy working with couples, young adults and seniors, as well as people suffering from depression, anxiety and addiction.