New to Grow
Greetings! I am licensed in Maryland as a (LCPC) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with almost 24 years of professional work experience and serving in this vocation field almost 40 years in various positions. (The company is trying to fix the credentials) I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse in individual modality, & career difficulties. I work primarily with married couples, providing both premarital and post-marital services in a specific protocol. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am glad you are getting started! The purpose of my services is to provide counseling and treatment, not evaluation services.
In a first session, I structure this meeting as an informal intake, yet hope to discuss, housekeeping and confidentiality, obtain an introduction, initial presenting concerns, history of this and your short term goals.
The greatest strengths are my diversity and education, training and experiences I initially began my studies in the Arts, earning a Certificate in Dance (minor and work/study in Music) in 1985 from Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts (UArts), a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dance earned in 1986 from James Madison University, a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling earned in 1993 from University of Maryland Eastern Shore, a Certificate in Cognitive Behavior Therapy from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology earned in 2003 and postdoctoral studies in Clinical Child Psychology. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (Supervisor) in Maryland, a Nationally Certified Counselor, a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor, completed specialized training in Distance/Telemental Health Counseling and recently obtained Board Certified Telemental Health Professional with additional training/expertise in areas of: family systems, psycho-dynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral approaches, person centered, career and educational counseling with certified areas in trauma, sex offender treatment. I was awarded a distinction in my local area in April 2018 in Substance Treatment with citations from my State Senator Jim Mathias, Delegate Carozza, and Worcester County Commissioners. I am humbled to receive in 2018 the Diplomate and Clinical Mental Health Specialist credential in Trauma. In my practice with my clients, may use a variety of techniques in therapy, including, but not limited to, cognitive reframing, self-awareness exercises, self-monitoring, and guided visualization. My continuing education involves the areas of trauma, spiritual, emotional regulation, family dynamics and the military family. I offer to integrate a client's cultural, ethnic, racial diversity, religion or value system as these are important factors for consideration of wellness in the delivery of counseling services.
If I may offer that I do not have a “ideal client”. I value and appreciate the uniqueness of each person, the diverse experiences and challenges. I hope to get to know my clients initially on a introductory level as if we were sitting at a coffee shop, introducing ourselves, learning my clients, presenting issues, strengths, and weaknesses, and ir short term, immediate goals.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
SFBT is a short-term, goal-oriented approach to rapidly address emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal issues by focusing on strengths, actionable solutions, and future possibilities, and does not dwell on past problems. typically requires 3-8 sessions to help individuals, couples, and families achieve concrete, positive change. SFBT addresses conflict,, family dysfunction, and communication difficulties; Used to manage behavioral issues, addiction recovery, and life transitions; and effective for anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
Christian Counseling
This treatment method integrates biblical principles with evidence-based psychology to treat mental health disorders and emotional challenges, such as addiction, anxiety, depression and relationship conflicts. This method offers a faith-centered approach to help individuals heal spiritually while navigating grief, trauma and life transitions
Grief Therapy
Grief therapy is utilized to help individuals process the pain of loss, such as death, divorce, or major life changes, by providing a safe space to express emotions, normalize experiences, and develop healthy coping.