I am a clinician with a broad range of experiences. I started my career working with and advocating with individuals with intellectual disabilities, many of whom also struggled with managing their emotions and low self esteem. I have spent a good portion of the past 20 years, working with children with behavioral difficulties and their families. In addition, I have also worked in outpatient services with adults from various walks of life.
Our first session together will include guided questions so that I can learn more about who you are as a person and what brought you to this point. I consider it an honor to have the opportunity to learn your story, not just the struggles, but areas where you shine as well.
As a clinician, I am known for my warmth, curiosity, and empathy. I create a safe and supportive environment for my clients, ensuring they feel understood and valued. My approach is client-centered, focusing on building strong therapeutic relationships through genuine interest in my clients' experiences and a deep sense of empathy.
In my clinical practice, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through a collaborative approach. I provide psychoeducation to clients, explaining the CBT model and how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected. Through cognitive interventions, I help clients identify and challenge negative thoughts, using techniques like cognitive restructuring and belief modification.
I integrate Christian Counseling by combining psychological principles with Christian faith and values. This approach involves assessing the client's spiritual beliefs and incorporating prayer, scripture, and faith-based discussions into the therapy process. I aim to support clients in finding meaning and purpose through their faith while addressing psychological and emotional issues. This holistic approach helps clients achieve spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being, fostering resilience and hope through their Christian faith.
I utilize Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) to help clients develop self-compassion and address issues related to shame and self-criticism. This approach involves educating clients about the three emotion regulation systems: threat, drive, and soothing, and helping them understand how these systems influence their emotions and behaviors. I guide clients in developing compassionate self-awareness and cultivating a compassionate inner voice. Techniques such as guided imagery, compassionate letter writing, and mindfulness exercises are employed to strengthen their ability to respond to themselves with kindness and understanding. Through CFT, clients learn to balance their emotion regulation systems, reduce self-criticism, and enhance their emotional resilience. This therapy fosters a supportive and empathetic therapeutic relationship, empowering clients to build a more compassionate and fulfilling life.
I incorporate components of DBT therapy in sessions as needed. The core components I focus on include mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. I help clients develop mindfulness skills to increase their awareness and acceptance of the present moment. Distress tolerance skills are taught to assist clients in managing crises without making the situation worse. Emotion regulation techniques are used to help clients understand and modulate their emotions, while interpersonal effectiveness skills aim to improve communication and relationship management.
I have utilized Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to help clients process and heal from traumatic experiences. This is an evidence-based approach that involves several key components including psycho-education, relaxation techniques, affective expression and regulation, cognitive processing, etc.