Biography: I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I facilitate the spiritual, mental and emotional healing process through talk therapy. The focus of most of my adult life has been to be a skilled helper to people in need. As I moved through my theological training, I realized that, often, others needed deeper support than "church" alone could give. I pursued further education to become a clinical counselor to meet those needs. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings including, outpatient community mental health, inpatient/outpatient substance abuse/addiction, sex offender therapy in the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, mental health professional in the Florida Department of Corrections, inpatient and day treatment of chronically mentally ill, and private practice. I believe my gift, in the counseling relationship, is that I help others see things for themselves. I also have a Christian world view which informs my interaction with others. I am a compassionate, non judgmental, "Wounded healer". Yes, I have had to negotiate life's struggles like anyone else. So, it is not just an academic exercise with me. I offer compassionate support while we work through your mental health issues including, depression, anxiety, stress, anger, fear, grief, loss, codependency, and self esteem issues.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session we will get to know each other while we help you tell your story and arrive at a shared vision of what the issues are and the course that treatment should take.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I use a cognitive behavioral therapy approach. I am insight oriented. I am also systemic in my approach. I believe most problems in functioning develop in the context of unhealthy relationships. Healing will take place in the context of safe relationships including therapy.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Many of the mental health issues that I treat are things that I have had to work through in my own personal journey. I know what worked for me and I know that recovery and growth is doable. I did not learn all I know from textbooks.