My purpose as your counselor is to empower you to identify what motivates you and help you use your strengths to better manage your life and relationships by being the strongest you! I am driven by a desire to help people live more fulfilling and satisfying lives. I believe that every person has unique strengths, talents, and abilities, and my goal is to help you discover these qualities and create a life of purpose and fulfillment. Helping others is my true passion and I feel incredibly grateful to be able to do this work every day. I enjoy working with people who are going through life-changing events or transitions. These may include career changes, marriage or divorce, moving/relocating, educational transitions, parenting or grief and loss. It's important to recognize that everyone has unique experiences and reactions to life transitions. You may struggle with fear, uncertainty, or resistance to change, while others may embrace it with excitement. By acknowledging and validating your emotions, I will create a non-judgmental environment that allows you to express yourself freely and navigate through this time in your life and find meaning and joy in the experience. I'm Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania, a certified Co-occurring Specialist, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I have a bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University and a Masters' Degree in Clinical Mental Health from Shippensburg University. With over 14 years in the field, I have worked in therapeutic environments including family-based therapy, outpatient and intensive outpatient mental health and substance use treatment programs, residential substance use treatment, and private practice trauma treatment. In my free time, I enjoy walking, running, hiking, raising service dogs, kayaking, meditating, dirt track racing and reading. I love being with my family and friends, making memories along the way.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Review of Rights and Responsibilities: I will explain what you can expect from the counseling process, including confidentiality, the counselor's professional boundaries, and your rights as a client. This establishes trust and transparency. Discussion of Reasons for Seeking Counseling: I will invite you to share why you have come to counseling. This could include specific issues or challenges you are facing, as well as any goals or aspirations you have for yourself. Exploration of Goals: Together we will discuss what you hope to achieve through counseling. This might involve clarifying personal goals, improving relationships, managing emotions more effectively, or any other areas where you seek growth or change. Listening and Collaboration: I will actively listen to your concerns, needs, and desires. This collaborative approach ensures that the counseling process is tailored to your individual needs and preferences. Development of Treatment Focus: Based on your discussions, we will work together to outline a treatment plan or focus areas for your counseling sessions. This plan serves as a roadmap for your sessions and helps track progress over time.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I use a humanistic, strengths based, person-centered approach in all my counseling relationships. I use positive psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational interviewing skills and techniques to help you develop ways to manage life when it may seem unmanageable. Areas of expertise include substance use, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflict, grief and loss, transitional life changes, professional development and clinical supervision.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I believe that each person has their own unique story and I am committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space for you to share and explore your thoughts and feelings. I am passionate about helping people identify their strengths, build resilience and confidence, and develop useful and effective strategies to overcome challenging times. Through my work as a therapist, I have seen how transformational the process of counseling can be. Overall, I find it incredibly rewarding to support individuals in their journey toward greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-acceptance. I am dedicated to providing a professional, compassionate and collaborative therapeutic experience, and I feel privileged to be able to play a role in helping people to live their best lives.