I am a former law enforcement officer with a Masters Degree in Clinical Counseling from Faulkner University. I am currently licensed as a Professional Counselor (LPC) through the state of Alabama. I have been an inpatient counselor at a men's treatment facility for substance abuse for the last 3 years, dealing with substance use and associated underlying issues (trauma, grief, mental illness, relationships, and so on). In my time in law enforcement, I learned how desperate the need is for practical, solutions-based treatment for people on both sides of the justice system. I am a former law enforcement officer with a Masters Degree in Clinical Counseling from Faulkner University. I am currently licensed as a Professional Counselor (LPC) through the state of Alabama. I have been an inpatient counselor at a men's treatment facility for substance abuse for the last 3 years, dealing with substance use and associated underlying issues (trauma, grief, mental illness, relationships, and so on). In my time in law enforcement, I learned how desperate the need is for practical, solutions-based treatment for people on both sides of the justice system.
The FIRST session is us getting to know each other better to see if we're a good fit. Sixty percent of the success in therapy is the connection the therapist and the client have. If we're not a good fit it's better for you to find someone who fits you better. I will try to help -anyone- who wants my help, but the therapeutic alliance is a key factor to consider. You'll tell me your story, I'll listen, and I'll ask about any patterns that stand out to me, we'll establish a set of goals for treatment - things you want to improve or feel better about - and then, at each subsequent session, we'll work toward those goals and check in with them. As someone with a primarily cognitive behavioral approach, homework is something you should expect, and part of our sessions after this will be devoted to seeing what worked, what didn't, why, and how we can further adjust.
I've got a rather unique background, because during my stint in Law Enforcement, I saw quite a lot, and in the addiction space I saw quite a lot more. I'm very hard to surprise (although it can happen) because I've seen quite a lot personally, and you're very unlikely to feel judged or like your problem is insurmountable with me. I'm empathetic and everyone's problems are unique and powerful for them - but I know patterns and pattern matching is a strength of mine.
I do well with clients who want to know -WHY- things occur, and can then take that knowledge and practice the skills we build together, and come to a better understanding of themselves. Self-esteem sometimes means knowing that certain processes are just the way the body works, and aren't something that is a moral failing.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral approaches are used to help identify unhealthy thoughts and patterns in clients, and to discuss where those patterns come from, what need they fill, and identify healthy ways to fill those needs that are not maladaptive.
Strength-Based
By helping clients recognize their unique strengths and play into them, we can work toward healthier coping and function.
Faith based therapy
Spirituality is a measurable variable that most common psychotherapy has trouble quantifying because of it's pervasive nature, but research suggests that most people have belief structures that need to be accounted for in therapy, and that the benefit those beliefs provide can be significant.