Life is a journey that can consist of ups and downs, twists and turns, and sometimes even forks in the middle of the road. There is no crystal ball to predict the right path to travel to reach one's destination, but one can learn how to avoid pitfalls and arrive at one's destination safely. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker of 15 years, I have assisted children, adolescents, and adults with mental health and substance use disorders in acquiring new strategies to be successful within the military services, educational field, hospital, penal system, family violence, and HIV/AIDS non-profit.
My approach
My approach to therapy is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Trauma-Focused Therapy, Motivation Interviewing, Strength-Based and Person-Centered.
My focus
I have worked with so many wide and diverse populations that it's almost difficult to choose. I'm comfortable with any client courageous enough to reach out for help, including those dealing with challenges with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, military services, domestic violence, and children and adults of all ages from 5 to 99.
My communication style
My tone and environment are casual, empathetic, and strength-based. It's a team effort, and I offer you the respect you so richly deserve. We both have much to bring, and I appreciate that you allow me on this journey of self-discovery and achievement. You bring the willingness and the bravery to share a part of yourself with a stranger with the hope that your life will be changed, and I bring my years of experience, commitment, and desire to assist you in that growth.
My journey to mental healthcare
One of the main attractions of choosing my career as a therapist was to help people feel capable and confident about living their lives fully regardless of obstacles or challenges they may face, that they have the ability to change. My desire is to make a difference in someone's life for the best outcome. More than anything in life, my goal has been to help people feel competent to live their lives with hope and success.
My goals for you
Goal-setting is client-directed. My job is to listen to what you want your plan to be and assist you with making it possible and measurable. It's a collaborative effort between the therapist and the client, but you are in charge.
My first session with you
I expect clients to feel heard, validated, and respected and to know that they are dealing with another human being who truly cares about their journey to obtain the skills to improve their lives to their optimal level. But more importantly, I hope during or at the end of their first session, they may think, "Maybe this time..."