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I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience working with individuals, youth, couples, and families struggling with a variety of issues. I believe counseling can allow a person, couple, and an entire family to heal and grow in ways that allow them to recognize their own strengths, and how those strengths can assist them in working toward a more positive and rewarding future.
My approach
My perspective is a solution-focused one that views individuals as the experts in their own lives. I provide goal-directed treatment focusing on a person’s strengths. I believe that the relationship, connection, and trust between a client and counselor is the true measure of how helpful the counseling experience will be for an individual.
My focus
My primary focus is working with individuals facing a recent life transition such as starting college, moving to a new city, changing careers, becoming a parent, or leaving a long relationship. These types of transitions often come with a variety of emotions and experiences that can be difficult to cope with and process. I also work with individuals coping with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties.
My communication style
I describe my style as approachable. Often times the decision to come to therapy is a difficult one and I want clients to feel as comfortable as possible. I work to make clients feel safe and validated in all our interactions.
My journey to mental healthcare
I have been a counselor for 20 years. What first led me to this field was an interest in people and their backgrounds. I first interned during my undergraduate studies as Crime Victims Advocate and this experience revealed to me how powerful it is to simply be with someone in their time of need. My work as a case manager working with families involved in the child welfare system also allowed me to see how unresolved mental health struggles can impact families through generations. My motivation to help people, and heal people through connection is what ultimately lead me to my career as a counselor.
My goals for you
I want the counseling experience to be one that has a positive impact on my client's lives in very practical ways. Sometimes clients have a difficult time identifying goals they may have for counseling, so I help them envision a more positive future where they may feel relief from the issue at hand. This usually helps us focus on what things would be most beneficial to work on in sessions and can help us identify progress as it is made.
My first session with you
During your first visit, I will review confidentiality, and answer any questions about office policies or billing they may have. The first session is usually used as an assessment and for initial goal setting. We will discuss what prompted you to call when you did, and how the issue you're struggling with is impacting you on a day-to-day basis. We will discuss your attempts to resolve the issue or relieve the impact. We will discuss what you hope to get out of the session, and the counseling experience. The first session is for getting to know each other, and deciding if this counseling relationship is a match.
