New to Grow
I am a counselor who believes that the therapeutic relationship is essential. From the moment I first meet a client I want to do everything in my power to help them feel comfortable. I acknowledge that counseling can be daunting - meeting a stranger and sharing the intimate details of one's life is frightening. I assure my clients that they are in a safe place and they can share as much or as little as they like. Regardless, they will be accepted unconditionally.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session will give you an opportunity to get to know me and how I "operate". It will also give you an opportunity to share with me more about yourself and what brought you here. If appropriate, we may begin to talk about what you want to accomplish meeting together. I will share that goals are an important part of the therapeutic relationship and will keep us "on track" and moving in a positive direction.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strength is my ability to connect with clients. I think that i have an ability to comfort clients (when needed) which comes naturally to me. I have been counseling for over 30 years. I have a genuine concern for the issues which have brought clients to seek out counseling. I want my desire to help them accomplish their goals to come through "loud and clear"
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am comfortable with clients who are anxious. Whether that is/are parents struggling with raising their children, an individual struggling with persistent anxiety or children who for any number of reasons are finding it difficult handling their stress on a daily basis. I also appreciate clients who seek out counseling simply for personal growth. Regardless of a client's motivation I take a holistic approach to health and well-being. I share with clients the benefits of physical activity, breathwork/relaxation, diet, sleep, some spiritual foundation (not religion necessarily) and social interaction.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I was trained over 30 years ago. My primary approach, regardless of CBT, psychoeducation or other methods, is creating the therapeutic relationship - as Carl Rogers taught. I use CBT to gently challenge distorted thoughts in hopes of helping clients choose more productive behaviors. I believe psychoeducation is also an integral part of any successful therapy - not a "telling a client what to do" but rather sharing what I have learned over the decades having worked with a lot of clients. I ask clients to "try this on for size and see what you think".
Psychoeducation
As referenced above. Psychoeducation may take the form of bibliotherapy, educating clients about the basic physiology of the brain and where anxiety originates, helping parents with understanding their children's developmental stage (what can be expected and what can't).
Play Therapy
In addition to being licensed as an LPC, I was also a certified school counselor for over 30 years. I had the opportunity to work with children/students from elementary school to college. With the younger children I have always incorporated play, I use "rice bins" with various figures and toys in oder to help children verbalize what they might be feeling.