(He)
New to Grow
I am a licensed clinical social worker with 22 years of experience working with individuals facing complex and challenging life circumstances. I work primarily with adults and adolescents who are navigating issues such as emotional distress, significant life pressures, and substance use concerns. A major focus of my work is helping clients develop a clearer and more objective understanding of themselves and their situations.
In the first session I will want to know something about your major concerns. However, not everyone is ready to just "jump in," especially if this is their first experience with therapy. Therefore I take a measured approach.
My background is broad and includes clinical social work, medicine, and pharmaceutical research. Extensive clinical practice informs the depth and real-world perspective I bring to the therapy setting.
Adults and adolescents who are motivated to understand themselves more clearly and are willing to explore themselves objectively is often part of seeing progress. Some good results are with people who want to examine their situation objectively, even when that can cause discomfort. A genuine interest in making real changes in one's life is a good indicator of what can lead to productive change.
Psychoeducation
A central part of my view is that therapy can help people understand themselves better. This allows a person to be more objective about who they are and to move closer to being the person they want to be, while at the same time increasing access to their full emotional life.
Supportive
A second focus of working together is providing support. Before any technique or framework, I want you to understand the reasons you are feeling what you are feeling. Often, your emotions are a natural response to your experiences. It is important for people to see their strengths in times of stress.