Hi,

I have always been intrigued by people!  I love hearing about experiences and discovering uniqueness in each person I meet. It became apparent to me at a young age that I wanted to be in a position where I could interact with others and possibly be part of their journey towards healing, self-discovery and growth. I literally can’t believe that I get paid to do what I love!

I would consider myself to be an equal extrovert/introvert and enjoy social activities as well as time alone with a good book, crafting and photography.

I feel like every client is like a new book with new stories, challenges, joys and victories. I often give the analogy that you are like a runner and I am running alongside you giving you water and encouragement. Actually sometimes life will not be a run but rather a very slow walk or even crawl, but slowly with support you can feel strong again.   Through the counseling process I encourage you and we figure out how life can feel easier. I hope  through therapy you learn to trust yourself, accept yourself- what you feel and what you need and add supports to your life with new or old friends and family,  then eventually you will no longer need that extra support from counseling. You will be able to maneuver your challenges without therapy. Everyone’s story is different and no pace is the same and that process will be unique to you.

It is important to understand that a therapist’s approach influences the overall expectations of themselves as the therapist, the client, as well as the outcome of therapy. I am not a purist in my approach to therapy, it often is dependent on the client’s symptoms, the impairment’s in their life, and the goal that they wish to have in the conclusion of therapy. My overall approach is I feel that clients should be active in their healing and therefore I often give assignments (some are written and others are behavioral assignments) in between sessions to continue our work together. It is my belief that I am a facilitator for you and it is your motivation for a change in your life that is the true catalyst towards personal growth.

I will share the main therapeutic approaches I find myself leaning towards in session with clients. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is the first approach I often use which is often structured and short-term. This approach addresses how thoughts affect feelings and behaviors. Our work will include addressing the thoughts that perpetuate problematic behaviors. Although it is not the only time I use it, I find I use it most with clients with symptoms of anxiety. Solution-Focused Therapy is another approach I have used. It is appropriate when a client has a specific problem and wants to look for a solution and does not necessarily need or want to gain insight as to how this problem started The focus is the solution. And finally, I often use a Psycho-dynamic approach, this approach addresses how past experiences affect your current view of the world and how you relate to yourself and others. Most recently I have integrated the Emotional Focused Therapy Approach, a blend of approaches include elements of experiential therapy (such as person-centered therapy and Gestalt therapy), systemic therapy, and attachment theory.