LMHC, 3 years of experience
New to Grow
My day job is as a school adjustment counselor in a public high school. Prior to becoming an adjustment counselor I have worked in ABA, in schools as a support staff, and in a residential treatment center. My undergraduate degree is in Expressive Arts Therapy, which leans into creative processes to help in the therapeutic process. My graduate degree is in Mental Health Counseling with a School Adjustment Counseling certification. I enjoy working with clients to help support them in their healing, whatever that may look like.
First sessions are a great opportunity for both the client and counselor to start building rapport and see if the therapeutic relationship is a good fit for both parties. Therapy relies on a good working therapeutic relationship so I find the interpersonal aspect of the first session important. Additionally, I would like to speak to the client about what brought them to therapy, their current goals, how they would like to address them, and how I can support this.
I think that my flexibility and creativity are beneficial for clients, as it helps us to be able to adjust treatment as needed as our lives change, and life is constantly changing. I also find that many of my clients like that I try to let them take the lead as much as possible in their treatment, to allow them to keep their autonomy and sense of control in what can be a daunting process.
I do work day-to-day with adolescents, therefore adolescents or young adults are who I have the most direct experience with. I have worked with children and adults in the past as well. I like to work with anyone who is looking for support, and I like to work collaboratively with clients to help make a plan together for what they need. I do like to let clients take the lead in what they need, and provide the supports I can in getting them to their goals.
My style of counseling is eclectic, combining CBT techniques, humanistic counseling techniques, and utilizing my education in expressive arts therapy.