New to Grow
I bring over 17 years of experience to the table. Originally, I thought I was going to be a teacher, but shifted gears as I wanted to be able to give more and help more. Ultimately, I believe that we are all lifetime learners so I still get to teach, but also be a partner, guide, support person, sounding board, and so much more. I strongly believe in the power of choice, change, and hope. Choice allows us to pick a direction we want to head in and to change that direction when we see fit. Change is always possible; if you truly want change, you can make it happen. And, without hope, we have nothing. Hope encourages us to keep going; making those choices and those changes that will improve our overall quality of life and wellbeing.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
I always like to say that a first therapy session should be similar to an interview. We are both gathering information and assessing information gathered, communication style, presentation (delivery, tone, body language), personality, etc. in order to determine whether or not we are a good fit. I will be asking questions in order to gain information about you and what you are seeking in therapy, and I expect you to ask questions of me as well. Getting a full sense of one another in the first session is not possible, but in most instances we will be able to determine if this is a person I can see myself working with...because that is exactly what we will be doing- WORK! Often times the therapeutic relationship is a deeper and safer relationship than you have ever experienced. If you cannot see yourself forming that type of relationship with me, you should move on to another provider. Just as I will move on to other clients if I do not feel I can best meet your needs. This first step of being open and honest with one another is of upmost importance. So, if you are ready to WORK and see if we can develop a super cool relationship, bring your questions to our first session!
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I am fortunate to have the ability to connect quickly with all types of people. I am an attentive and active listener. I pay attention to details; what's said and what's left unsaid. I use personality, humor, and life experiences to relate to others. I work hard to ensure we have a strong, trusting relationship so that I am able to offer suggestions, teach you, challenge you, hold you accountable, and cheer with you. I am direct, but flexible and open to feedback. If something I am doing or saying is not working for you, let me know. We can absolutely shift gears. Therapy is for YOU! My expectation is that you will communicate what you need so that I can tailor my approach to meet your needs.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My clients have always ranged in demographics- different ages, genders, races, ethnicities, stages of life, employment, socioeconomic status. My ideal client, regardless of demographics, is one that is interested in exploration and change. Someone that wants to understand their decision making and behaviors. Someone that is ready to make positive changes in their life. Someone that is interested in learning new skills. Someone that is looking to add to their support system. I am direct and action oriented. If you need something slower paced and/or a therapist that is not direct, I may not be a good fit for you. I work best with individuals ages 12-80+, parents and caregivers, mood disorders, behavioral issues, crisis (self-harm, suicidal ideation, hospitalization), those taking psychotropic medications, first time therapy goers, and those that have tried therapy before and did not have a good experience.
Humanistic
Being a human centered or client center therapist is my home base. This is the theory that grounds me and where I work from. I provide a non-judgmental, empathetic, and understanding approach for all clients. I offer unconditional positive regard to all clients. I strongly believe that the therapeutic relationship and rapport built between client and therapist is the strongest tool in the room. Yes, I can and will bring other tools in as deemed appropriate, however, if I bring a plunger to an electrician, this is not helpful. This is why I need to know my client well and be able to form a trusting, working relationship with them. I pull from my education and life experiences, use my personality and humor, and allow you to be the expert in the room on you; teaching me what I need to know so that I can select the right tools for you.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I am an action oriented individual, so this theory fits me well. Some clients need lots of processing, some need some processing and some solutions, some want solutions and they want them now! I can work with each of these types of clients. For those that are looking for relief, change, and movement, I pull from solution focused tools and techniques, which include utilizing brainstorming, scaling, problem solving, and implementing work outside of sessions.
Grief Therapy
We all experience loss, from miniscule to major, multiple times throughout our life span. Grief will never cease to exist, however, I can help you understand how grief impacts you so you can learn to manage it when it appears; to ride the waves instead of drowning.
Existential
Existential theory resonates with me well as it focuses on the present, focuses on increasing self-awareness, normalizes anxiety, encourages authenticity, encourages creating meaning and purpose, and employs the power of choice. If any of the previously mentioned areas are a place you want to focus, learn, and grow in, I'm your gal.
Family Therapy
I have many years working with families that come in all shapes and sizes. I work individually with children, individually with parents, and all together as a family unit. This is all dependent on your need, of course. My areas of focus are behavior change, learning and/or improving parenting skills, developing new family practices, and working with those moody pre-teen and teens that no one seems to fully understand.