How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
Creating goals is a very personal and individual process. Within the context of a therapeutic alliance, I will listen to you and assist you with identifying goals that are not only, SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timed) goals but goals that are compassionate and meet your immediate needs. When addressing goals, it's important to have self-compassion. Changing long-standing thoughts, emotions and behavioral patterns, takes consistency, effort, willingness and openness to learning and practicing new coping skills. As goal setting is a part of the therapeutic process, I want to be clear that therapy happens at YOUR pace.
Is there any research-based work you’ve done that you found particularly exciting, and how has that informed your practice today?
I work from an eclectic approach, based on the needs of the client. I offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy interventions. CBT techniques have been exciting to offer, as they have shown the most effective symptom reduction over time. Nonetheless, I have learned and offered a wealth of a variety of research based approaches, such as Mindfulness Skills, Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, emotion focused supports and grief and loss counseling.
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
This is an open and freeing experience. Therapy is a safe space, which is judgement free. Each person is different, and I will do my best to create a therapeutic alliance, which helps you to best get your therapy needs met. Therapy can be a short term process and intervention or a long term support, based on your needs, history and availability. I would want you to know, that finding a good fit is most important. You should feel comfortable talking and expressing your thoughts, feelings and actions to your clinician in this confidential therapeutic space. Growth happens when you challenge yourself with the guidance and expertise of a skilled counselor.
Specialties
Depression
Depression often causes people to feel sad, empty, or hopeless, and can cause a lack of interest in life. It can also affect a person's thinking patterns and physical health.
Anxiety
Anxiety can mean nervousness, worry, or self-doubt. Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that entails excessive, repeated bouts of worry, anxiety, and/or fear.
Mood disorders
Mood disorder is a broad term used to include the different types of depressive and bipolar disorders, all of which affect mood. With a mood disorder, your moods may range from extremely low to extremely high or irritable.
Behavioral Issues
Behavioral disorders involve a pattern of disruptive behaviors that cause problems in school, at home, and in social situations. Can include hyperactivity, impulsivity, defiant behavior, chronic patterns of aggression, defiance, disruption, and/or hostility.
Coping Skills
Coping skills are tools and techniques one can learn, practice, and use to handle difficult emotions, decrease stress, and establish or maintain a sense of internal order.
General Expertise
Loss/Grief
Grief is a reaction to an emotionally significant loss and often comes with symptoms of depression or anxiety. These symptoms can remain intense and last for a long time after a loss, making it difficult to move forward with a healthy lifestyle.
Race & Cultural Identity
Challenges around race and cultural identity vary enormously, including issues related to discrimination, racism, and intergenerational trauma.
Academic challenges
Concerns that impact school performance or academic life. Can include perfectionism, bullying, financial stress, academic transitions, test anxiety, balancing school with other responsibilities, discrimination, or harassment.
Adoption & foster care
Adoption and foster care considerations include education on the process, integrating the new family, establishing household rules and boundaries, processing past trauma on behalf of the child, emotional health, and other adjustment procedures.
Attachment issues
Children that experience parents and/or guardians that are avoidant, ambivalent, or resistant from an early age, may develop attachment issues. This can manifest as difficulty forming or maintaining friendships, romantic relationships and empathetic bonds throughout life, as well as other issues.
Fees
$185
First Session
$185
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Strength Based Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Reality Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Training / Certifications
Functional Behavioral Analysis
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Licensure
PA, LPC, PC008963
Education
Masters of Philosophy, Professional Counseling, University of Pennsylvania
Masters of Science, Counseling & Mental Health, University of Pennsylvania
Work History
I have worked with adults with a variety of mental health needs: depression, anxiety, relationship and parenting issues. I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT is evidenced based practice, which treats identified symptoms with cognitive restructuring and behavioral modification. I have work with children and families too. I has supported individuals with loss, major life stress and processing traumatic life events. I have worked with supporting individuals to identify, express and process strong emotions. I have helped clients to identify strengths' based coping skills to manage life and their presenting symptoms.
Location
6635 McCallum St, Philadelphia, 19119, PA