LPC, 35 years of experience
New to Grow
I enjoy working with adults of various backgrounds and with various concerns. I come to my work with a degree in clinical psychology from Duquesne University. I have been in then mental health and addictions profession for 35 years, and for this reason I am uniquely qualified to serve clients with diverse needs. in addition, I have a specialty certification in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) for depression. The most important skills I feel are important to convey to clients are ways to manage both everyday stress and major life challenges. Mindfulness is a key component of what I teach: the ability to be aware and focused in the present moment to one's experience. From this vantage point one achieves a "witness" perspective toward oneself that allows access to inner resources that one cannot access when caught up in past emotions or future concerns. From this point of access, the present becomes an effective way to view aspects of oneself or the situation, making them more available for change. A second key component I enjoy teaching and supporting in my clients is self-compassion, in which gentleness and patience replace demands for perfection and quick solutions.
There may be a lot of questions from me at your first session. The intake form you fill out is just a starting point for me to get to know you better. I am a good listener and enjoy hearing the details of my clients' lives. The first session is also an important one in which I evaluate your responses to the questionnaires and follow up carefully on any areas of concern with more information. As soon as we have completed the review of the intake form, I feel it is important to as much as possible let your story unfold from where you are in the moment. I will have follow up questions as we go along. It is important that you feel heard and also to be able to assess if I am a good fit with you and your needs. In the next couple sessions we can complete a client history in more detail as relevant to the concerns of the day.
My past clients have appreciated my attentiveness to the details of their lives, which makes them feel heard. I have a skill at listening analytically and formulating good "next steps" based on the content of a session. I want good results in my work with clients and so I will frequently suggest "homework" or ask them to try one thing differently. In the beginning of my therapy work with a particular client, I am not afraid to be directive about what I feel will be helpful. Later, clients seem to internalize the ability to look at their issues more objectively as well and come up with more of their own solutions.
Some of my clients have been diagnosed with depressions and/or anxiety and are experiencing another episode of their ongoing condition. Others come because of stressful life circumstances and they are looking for support during times of transition. Others simplify live with a vague sense of dissatisfaction and want help exploring options. As a therapist, I help clients clarify their feelings, look at how they are spending their time, and the quality of their relationships. I help clients to pinpoint key themes and core issues. We then arrive at some flexible starting goals together. I use a strength-based starting point to also identify where clients have resources we can work with. Finally, I use focused interventions to build skills of mindfulness and self-compassion. These interventions assist clients to set small and realistic objectives to attain their goals. My ultimate vision for all clients is to trust themselves get more and more of their guidance from within.
Self-awareness of our feelings and how these relate to thoughts. attitudes, and behaviors are critical to making desired personal change. I will help you to learn mindfulness skills to highlight how your unique style creates positive or negative internal states and actions as well as influences your relationships.
I help clients to deepen their listening skills while learning what both their visions, goals, and needs are for their relationship. Clients learn about their interpersonal styles in relationships in general as well as how their early attachment needs can get played out in adult partnerships.
Having had work history in the area of addictions, this treatment method was helpful in accessing client's inherent desires for change despite difficulties beginning the process. I would use ideas like stages of change and celebrating small victories to inspire clients who may feel demoralized or doubtful about their ability to make lasting changes.
For clients who have what seem to them as insurmountable challenges, I feel it is essential to build a solid platform on which to stand before beginning any deep therapy work. I help clients identify resources both internal and external to prepare them for looking into deeper life patterns that have not served them. Strength-based work for me resembles both solution-focused therapy and motivational interviewing and can be short-term if a client responds by beginning to see their own answers with less and less therapeutic guidance.