LMHC, 13 years of experience
Broadly speaking, my therapeutic aproach of counseling falls into a behavioral model through which I usually work to address the problems identified. I pride myself for being a thoughtful therapist who manages to get those to talk and explore a different perspective on the identified issues. Quite simply, and through various and applicable therapeutic modalities, I recall past details and tie them together with new facts to help clients better understand themselves.
During an initial assessment, the goal is to gather key information to begin building a therapeutic relationship. The session will likely involve questions about your mental health, personal background, relationships, and any symptoms you are experiencing, followed by a discussion on potential goals and treatment.
My greatest strength in therapy that I bring the client is safety and comfort while they journey through the uncertainty and awkwardness of counseling. Within the therapeutic environment, I facilitate a process of growth and development. With compassion and professionalism, I encourage a genuine expression of thoughts and feelings while continually guiding towards goal attainment.
Rather than detailing my "ideal client," I'll describe the client who I have the most success with; it is that client who is willing to engage an open and honest conversation about whatever feels important to share, and enters into a guided exploration of self, with an aim towards identifying, and better understanding, their core issues and inner strengths.
With the Acceptance and Commitment approach, I will aim to help individuals learn to accept the difficult aspects of their lives while committing to making positive changes.
I use a holistic, integrative model that aligns with the client's faith, blending psychological techniques with spiritual practices like prayer and Scripture to address mind, body, and spirit. C Additionally, I operate within a Christian worldview, viewing issues through the lens of a fallen, but redeemable, humanity and co-create a counseling experience for reconciliation with God, others, and self.
I guide the client in identifying and examining unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress, teaching them to replace these with more positive and productive alternatives through structured sessions that include homework assignments. The focus is primarily on present-day issues and developing coping strategies to address them.
I begin by creating a safe, neutral space, facilitating balanced connection with each partner, and helping couples identify and change negative patterns to build healthier communication and emotional intimacy. Some of my key counseling approaches include establishing clear expectations and confidentiality, validating emotions, teaching effective communication and conflict resolution skills, and focusing on the relationship's emotional bond through approaches such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
I use CAMS by building a strong, collaborative relationship with the client to understand and treat the specific "drivers" of their suicidal thoughts. The process is structured around a tool called the Suicide Status Form (SSF) and consists of three main phases: initial assessment, interim treatment, and resolution.