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“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” -Vivian Greene. For more than 20 years, I have had the privilege of providing behavioral health services for individuals experiencing a variety of mental health issues and personal challenges. I believe in empowering my clients through emotional support, gaining insight, learning coping skills, and learning how to challenge those beliefs and thoughts that increase suffering.
My approach
My counseling style is collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and goal-directed. Along with mindfulness and cognitive approaches, I use somatic therapies that help you access your body’s intrinsic healing capabilities. I am a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and I have integrated these skills into my practice since 2015.
My focus
Though I have worked with a variety of issues throughout my career, my primary focus is working with adult clients who are struggling with issues related to anxiety, depression, and trauma. I am a trauma specialist, and I have a great deal of experience working with survivors of childhood abuse/neglect, sexual assault, and domestic violence. I have worked with a variety of trauma issues, including military/combat trauma, car accidents, religious trauma, and medical trauma.
My communication style
I’m an empathetic listener, and I also teach, gently challenge, inspire, motivate, and encourage you to come to your own conclusions. My style is strengths-based and client-centered, which means I put a high value on helping you to achieve the counseling goals that are your priorities, using methods that recognize your innate strengths in facing adversity and increase your feelings of empowerment and resiliency. My goal is to give you the tools and insight you need to overcome the obstacles in your life and improve your ability to cope with the challenges that come your way.
My journey to mental healthcare
From as far back as I can remember, I have always been someone who other people sought out for support. It was an easy decision to become a therapist, and this has always been my life's work. I am frequently complimented by my clients for my relatability, non-judgmental approach, and genuine care and concern for their lives and happiness. Nothing makes me happier than helping someone see real changes in their life, and I work hard to create the conditions that help facilitate that in every session.
My goals for you
I believe goal-setting is an invaluable tool in counseling. I believe that my client is the expert in their own life and circumstances, and I support my clients in determining for themselves their priorities and goals in our work together. I see myself more as a cheerleader in this process than a judge, and I will offer my support, encouragement, friendly reminders, and assistance in a non-judgmental way when my clients struggle with achieving their goals.
My first session with you
I believe one of the most important cornerstones of counseling is the therapeutic relationship, and in our first session, I will start working right away on developing this relationship. I like to be very thorough and clear about myself and the structure of therapy, and I also get a detailed history from my clients that will help us formulate a plan of action together. I recognize that the first session can be difficult, and I always remind my clients that they are the boss of themselves and their stories throughout our work together. I will respect any boundaries around this they may have.
