Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Pennsylvania. I have a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a bachelor's degree in Applied Mental Health Psychology. I have experience in mental health and substance use treatment settings. I utilize a trauma-informed approach when providing counseling services, and I have primarily worked with adults (18+). I am credentialed as a National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) with Problem Gambling endorsement, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).
During the first session, I will introduce myself and answer any questions you may have. I will also review what you can expect in sessions moving forward. Usually, the first few sessions are focused on building a healthy therapeutic relationship, reviewing background information, and developing goals. This will be a collaborative process.
I provide a compassionate and nonjudgmental space to help you feel heard and supported. Many of the individuals I have worked with express an interest in creating change, but there is uncertainty about where to begin. Counseling can be a great resource for support and guidance in self-exploration. I am eclectic, in that I have knowledge and training in several therapeutic orientations. I am often described as having a calm and warm demeanor, which makes me approachable when concerns or challenges need shared.
I have primarily worked with adults (18+). I have worked with individuals who have diagnoses related to mental health, trauma, substance use, and problem gambling.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) involves identifying and changing unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. I incorporate CBT in sessions to help with recognition of how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence one another. This increases development of healthier patterns of thinking and behaving. CBT is an evidence-based, collaborative approach used to help treat a variety of mental health diagnoses. I have utilized CBT in sessions when individuals are experiencing anxiety, depression, problem gambling behaviors, trauma, and substance use.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that focuses on regulating intense emotions, improving relationships, and coping with challenging situations. I often incorporate components of DBT in sessions, such as emotion regulation skills, interpersonal effectiveness skills, distress tolerance skills, and mindfulness practices. DBT was originally developed for individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). DBT can be used with a variety of other mental health diagnoses.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a therapeutic technique that fosters change and growth. I incorporate MI in sessions to maintain a compassionate approach and empower individuals to strengthen personal motivations to change. MI is an evidence-based, collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication that recognizes individual efforts and strengths.