New to Grow
Hi! I am a Palestinian-American therapist who started my therapeutic journey in a forensic setting meaning I have worked in both mandated and voluntary settings so nothing shocks me. My approach to therapy is to help you help yourself. I am committed to my clients and believe every single one deserves and is capable of living the life they want to live.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
I always start with learning about your history, your reason for starting therapy, and your goals. I aim to create a warm and safe environment for you as I recognize the strength and vulnerability it takes to open up so quickly. I believe therapy is a collaboration between client and therapist and the ultimate goal is growth.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Therapy is collaborative, I work WITH my clients. Treatment plans and goals are determined by client's own needs as well as what I determine is essential for client's growth. I truly love seeing my client's grow and hearing them express pride in themselves, it is the highlight of my day.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I have extensive experiencing working with individuals with a history of severe trauma such as childhood sexual trauma and domestic violence. I also have experience working with depressed and anxious clients. A client who is determined to make a change, who is open to other perspectives, and who is committed to therapy is the client for me. My goal as a therapist is to meet you where you are and help you help yourself through compassion and by challenging you. I believe empathy is the key to successful therapy and everything I do is guided by that. While the way I work with my clients varies due to every person’s individuality, my approach is one that is always client-centered and empathetic.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I believe CBT is a collaborative approach to therapy. I ensure that my client agrees with the treatment goals I have set up and ask what other goals the client may have. Identifying and modifying automatic, unhealthy thoughts and behaviors are essential to client's growth.
Psychodynamic
Our childhoods impact us more than we know. I utilize this method to focus on just how childhood experiences shape us currently and ways for my client(s) to better understand their unconscious thoughts and behaviors with the goal of gaining more insight.
Trauma Informed Care
I hold a certificate in victimology studies and pride myself on my ability to understand, empathize, and assist my client(s) in working through traumatic experiences and history.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Cultural competence is one of the most important skills I believe a therapist should have. This requires understanding, acceptance, and objectivity without judgment as our cultures are part of who we are as people. What I am not familiar with, I will ask about and research on my own time.
Humanistic
Each client is unique so there is no way one "right" way. I utilize several different treatment methods and mold them to fit each and every client. I also believe therapy is a dialogue that the therapist and client are engaging in. I challenge my clients in a healthy and productive way.