I am a Licensed Clinical social worker, currently licensed in the state of Texas. I am a native Texan and live in the rural south. I have a passion for working with children and families. I worked for Child Protective Services for almost a decade and have since worked for various agencies targeting the mental health needs of children and adolescents. I have experience working with the Juvenile justice system as a detention officer and a therapist. I have experience with CPS court systems as well as working with victims of abuse and/or neglect. I specialize in teen issues to include LGBTQ issues, anxiety and Depression. I use various techniques in conjunction with Cognitive Behavioral therapy to reframe and help youth unlearn maladaptive coping and teach them appropriate ways to cope, to include but not limited to; goal setting, mindfulness, challenging automatic thought some DBT and motivational interviewing. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my teenage daughter and 4 yr old son. We enjoy traveling any chance we can. I look forward to providing therapeutic services to you or your loved ones. Let's get to work and create a safe place for growth together.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I will encourage you to take the lead, with guidance as needed. I will give you the tools to challenge negative thinking, and we will address problem areas you identify head on. You can expect practice during session and chances to put new skills to use between sessions. Doing so will help identify what works and what doesn't. I will work to provide you various tools that will be with you forever and can always be used when facing difficult situations, well into the future.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I have the most experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and have some experience with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) as well. I use coping skills, motivational interviewing techniques and mindfulness to help establish a strong foundation for your own mental health and healthy living goals.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I really enjoy working with children and adolescents, specifically teens (10-17). I feel I have a niche for working with those children otherwise labeled negatively or often identified by their diagnosis. I have worked with adolescents involved in the criminal justice system or have a history of arrest/drug use/ abuse/neglect. I enjoy educating youth about feelings/automatic thoughts and coping techniques. I enjoy listening to their truths and realities and helping create a safe place for them to feel nurtured, support them as they realize their potential and cheer them on as they grow.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I enjoy working with Children & Adolescents (C&A). I have experience working with parents and caregivers as well.