Welcome! I’m glad you’re here.
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here! You have taken a big step in the right direction! It may not have been an easy decision to come to therapy, but it takes courage and strength to reach out. However, here you are; look at the strength you have to make hard choices
Finding acceptance in where you are and where you want to go…
Sessions are free of judgment. They are a place where you can feel comfortable sharing and working on the things that brought you to therapy. Your session will be client-paced and tailored to your needs, whether you are seeking support with trauma, anxiety, depression, or just feeling stressed and overwhelmed with everyday life.
Prior to our initial session, you will be given paperwork to fill out so I can review it before meeting with you. As you walk into my virtual office, I will introduce myself and explain how our session will go. Typically, I will gather information about you and learn more about your current symptoms. Toward the end of the session, we will focus on setting goals. What do you hope to achieve in therapy? What do you want to change in your life? We will discuss the therapeutic process, the type of therapy, and what to expect during sessions. Throughout the session, you will have the opportunity to ask questions, get clarification, and provide feedback.
In our work together…
We will build a relationship and get to know you on a deeper level. We will begin each session by reviewing the progress made from the last session and any insights you may have had since then. If homework was assigned between sessions, we will review what you gained from it.
Each session may look different. Some sessions may focus on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that may arise for you. We may then identify the specific issue you want to work on that week. I will encourage you to talk about your thoughts and feelings related to the issue. Together, we will identify any distorted thought patterns that may be contributing to feelings of distress. This may involve challenging your assumptions and encouraging you to consider alternative perspectives. A surprise you might encounter when working with me is discovering that you have more coping skills than you may realize, and as we continue working together, your coping skills toolbelt will get full. In between sessions, I will encourage you to practice these new tools and skills in real-life situations. At the end of each session, we will review your progress, set goals for the next session, and allow you time to provide feedback.
Other sessions…
May be focused on trauma that you have endured. Trauma can be extremely difficult to process on your own, and as your therapist, I will guide you through the healing process. I will make sure the environment is safe and supportive so that you feel comfortable opening up and sharing your experiences. Helping you understand and process your emotions will be our focus. Coping skills and tools will be taught to you so you can use them to manage your emotions and reduce the impact of trauma on your life. Some coping tools I utilize are mindfulness, deep breathing, journaling, music, guided meditation, and more. If any negative thought patterns arise, we will identify them and replace them with more empowering thoughts. Healing from trauma takes time, effort, and patience. We will develop a plan together for you to feel better.
Lastly sessions…
Lastly, sessions may be focused on any grief you have experienced. Whether you have lost a loved one, a relationship, a pet, a job, or independence, I will support and guide you to navigate the grieving process. In our work together, my job is to help you understand your grief, validate your feelings, and provide a safe space to express your emotions. I will introduce coping strategies to help you move through your grief. Some tools include journaling, creatingmore joyful, abundant, and aligned.
As time goes by, we will compare where you are now to where you started. You will get to see the progress and growth you have made by doing the hard work, being consistent in attending counseling, and completing the assigned tasks. After several months, you will realize that you are more aware of your emotions and the coping mechanisms that work best for you in different situations. At this point, you may also feel excited about what you have learned and want to share it with others.
In between sessions…
Homework will be discussed and explained in our sessions. New homework is not always given, but sometimes it will be. You might be thinking, “Oh dear, homework? What is that?” Some homework involves practicing the skills and techniques discussed in our session. This includes breathing exercises and techniques, journaling, challenging thought patterns, and self-care. When I suggest homework, I make sure it is something that you feel comfortable practicing, and I give opportunities in sessions to discuss the homework and whether you found it beneficial. As you will discover, there are so many techniques and skills that can be used or tried in order to find what works best for you.
About Me
How I can help you…
My mission is to educate, empower, and support you. My goal is your goal. What is it that you want to achieve in counseling? What skills do you want to develop, and what knowledge would you like to gain? I want to help you reach your potential by helping you see your inner strengths, self-worth, and realize the coping skills you have all around you. I can help you recognize and be aware or mindful of triggers and how to work through them and other related experiences.
Education and training…
I received my Master of Social Work from Southern Adventist University. I am licensed in three states and have also been certified as a Trauma Professional and a Grief Informed Professional. In my work, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Care, Grief-Informed Care, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I have worked with individuals who have experienced chronic illness, trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and more. I am able to really relate to my clients because of the experiences I have had in my life and by doing my own self-work.
When I am not giving therapy…
I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, and practicing what I teach all of my clients, self-care. I am married with two grown sons and a very spoiled English Bulldog mix dog named Poppy. I love being outside exploring, camping, being on the water, and experiencing all of nature. Some self-care activities for me include, but are not limited to, arts and crafts, going on vacation with my twin sister, taking pictures, and building models.
It’s time to take the first step on your healing journey..
Have you ever felt like you are alone, that no one has ever felt the way you do? Therapy is a way to discover and realize that, in fact, you are not alone, and perhaps you will be pleasantly surprised to know that others have and do feel like you. It is time to be brave and trust that you deserve to feel better. Please reach out to me so I can assist and support you in your journey.
Call me today for an initial appointment! (248) 962-3329