Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Michigan with over 14 years of experience in the field. I hold a Master of Arts in Counseling from Wayne State University, specializing in Rehabilitation Vocational Counseling. With extensive training in trauma-informed care, I am dedicated to helping children, teens, families, and young adults heal from trauma and anxiety, empowering them to overcome emotional challenges and build resilience.
In our first session, we'll begin with brief introductions before exploring the specific challenges you're facing. This will allow me to develop a personalized plan to guide our work in future sessions.
As a Trauma-Focused Clinician for the past 10 years, my greatest strengths include a trauma-informed approach, strong rapport-building skills, patience and flexibility, and the integration of creative and expressive therapies.
I enjoy working with adolescents, teens and young adults as they recover from distressing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors stemming from trauma exposure. My clients are motivated to understand how trauma affects the mind and body, seeking effective strategies to regulate their emotions and develop techniques for improving their overall well-being.
In my practice, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a structured, evidence-based approach to help clients—especially children, teens, and young adults—manage trauma-related symptoms, anxiety, and emotional distress. I begin by helping clients understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I guide clients in recognizing automatic negative thoughts that contribute to distress.
As a Trauma-Focused Clinician, I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Trauma to help children, teens, and young adults process distressing experiences and develop healthier coping mechanisms. My approach is rooted in Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), an evidence-based method designed to support individuals in understanding and reframing the impact of trauma. By integrating CBT trauma-focused techniques, I empower clients/families to regain a sense of safety, develop healthier thought patterns, and build resilience in their everyday lives. I establish a secure, supportive environment where clients feel comfortable discussing their experiences. Educating clients about how trauma affects thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in an age-appropriate manner.
In my practice, I use Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT) to help clients, particularly those dealing with trauma and anxiety, develop greater emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience. Mindfulness-based approaches are especially effective for those who struggle with intrusive thoughts, overwhelming emotions, or difficulty staying grounded in the present moment, as often happens with trauma. Through simple techniques like deep breathing exercises, body scans, and sensory awareness, clients learn to connect with the here and now, reducing rumination on past trauma or anxiety about the future.
In my practice, I integrate Motivational Interviewing (MI) as an essential tool, I begin by creating a nonjudgmental, empathetic environment where clients feel heard and respected. MI relies heavily on building a strong therapeutic alliance, and I use reflective listening, open-ended questions, and affirmations to foster this connection. Through open dialogue, I help clients feel empowered to explore their thoughts and feelings, which enhances their readiness for change. I focus on helping clients build their confidence in their ability to make changes. Through positive reinforcement and acknowledging progress, I help them realize that they have the inner resources and strength to create lasting change.