LCSW, 18 years of experience
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). My social work career has expanded 18 years. I enjoy joining with individuals living with substance use disorders on their recovery journeys. Additionally, assisting clients living with chronic illnesses with improving daily functioning and finding new meaning in life is something that I have always found rewarding. I also enjoy working with clients who are feeling stuck in jobs they have outgrown and need support with developing an action plan for change and or surviving the moment.
During our first appointment, we will make introductions and review informed consent and confidentiality. I will conduct a structured interview to learn more about your experiences. I will also gather information on mental health symptoms you may be experiencing utilizing structured assessments. We will discuss if the level care I provide is clinically appropriate for your needs and if we will be going forward with scheduling an individual therapy session or there is a need to refer for a different level of care or therapist.
I am a strong believer in the idea of change being a process. I understand that it takes vulnerability to enter counseling. Kudos to all who take that leap of faith. I believe in a person-centered approach to treatment; meaning just come as you are. I know clients have challenges and strengths and both variables can be held at the same time.
I work with adult clients only. My clients are motivated, curious about change and seeking coping skills. My clients may also feel stuck and ambivalent about change and need a safe space to process their ambivalence and explore a course of action.
CBT is used in sessions to assist clients with developing more awareness of the connection between our perception of the events taking place in our lives, thoughts, feelings and ultimately how we show up in the world. Increasing awareness of our emotional and behavioral blueprint is the first step in the change process. I have used this treatment method when working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use disorders, persons living with chronic illnesses and adjustment disorders.
Motivational Interviewing is used in sessions to engage clients in a non-judgmental, person-centered session focused on exploring concerns, the effectiveness of current coping mechanisms, ambivalence, the cost and benefits of the status quo vs. change and exploring unknowns. I have used this treatment method while working with clients dealing depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, PTSD, persons living with chronic illnesses and adjustment disorders.
I have used this treatment method to assist clients dealing with various challenges. This treatment method is helpful for assisting clients with making the connection between current and past themes and behavioral patterns out of their awareness.
Psychoeducation is the foundation of my work when working with clients dealing with various challenges; especially those living with substance use disorders. This treatment method is used to reduce harm and empower through fostering hope.