I have been working with individuals and families for over 15 years. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Master's Degree in Counseling with emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy. As a well rounded therapist, I appreciate my ability to work with people from all walks of life, with a variety of experiences; from adult to child, from the foster care system to the prison system. I have the innate desire to build empathetic, genuine, therapeutic relationships with my clients in order to create a safe space for healing and change. I believe this the best therapeutic approach, but in regard the theoretical approaches, I use several: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Care, Brainspotting Techniques, Acceptance-Commitment Therapy (ACT), & Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples. I have a desire to work with individuals who are experiencing emotional distress due to anxiety, depression, PTSD, racial and religious traumas, social justice issues, and chronic pain. These things cause dysregulation in our bodies, minds, and hearts.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Goal setting starts immediately; at the time of our first session! It is important for both you and myself to know what we are working towards. It is important to know what indicators would identify when therapy is no longer needed. I tell may clients that "I am working myself out of job with them," once they meet their goals. I will first greet you with a smile! I would introduce myself to you and then ask you to do the same. I would go over preliminary stuff that I am required to say. We would discuss your reasons for treatment and begin developing goals based off those reasons. I always ask every client, "how will we know that you are no longer in need of therapy services?" This question is important because we will be able to determine when you have met the goals initially discussed.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
The vibe is set for my clients is an environment that is calm and relaxing. The environment I try to create for clients comes with a calm tone of voice, with laughter and humor, along with gentle confrontation when necessary. I am do a lot of "exploratory discovery" where I am learning about you as my client and putting together the pieces of the your life's puzzles together to get a clear picture of you and your needs!
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Many of my clients have been touched by the Department of Social Services, Department of Corrections, Worker's Compensation and religious systems. Sessions often focus on past trauma, emotional triggers, attachment issues, relationship issues, effects of transracial adoptions, addictions, and substance abuse.