In what ways have your personal experiences influenced your work with your clients?
I went through my own personal struggles as an adolescent. I was sent to 3 different juvenile detention centers from ages 14-16. I decided I wanted to stop proving people right and prove them wrong. Through my own sense of resiliency, I have created a successful and much happier life for myself. I have faith in the practices I utilize, and know they can work. I also am very non-judgmental due to my own past struggles. I am a parent, and I have experience parenting a child with a mental health disorder. This has helped me immensely in relating to parents. I know the mental health system in and out. I know what works, and what does not. Lastly, this has made me very person centered and strength focused. Instead of focusing on what's wrong, I focus on the talents and strength each one of us has.
What does a first session with you look like?
The first session with me is all about gathering information. I ask a lot of open ended questions so I can get to know you better. Being in therapy for the first time can be scary, let alone reaching out through a telehealth platform! I am very calming, reassuring, and I allow you to open up on your own terms. I will assess what you would like to work on, and develop a plan of treatment from there.
In what ways do your life philosophy and treatment philosophy overlap?
My life philosophy is that perspective and outlook play a huge role in our quality of life. For example, a precipitating event can occur to two different people and they will interpret it completely different. We are all a combination of assumptions, attitudes, beliefs, and thoughts. Once we are more cognizant of our thought patterns, we can begin to decipher what is working for us and what is not. We can then begin to lead a life that is fulfilling and meant for us. I also believe everyone could benefit from therapy, even therapists. I know what it is like to be on the other side of treatment and services. It can be scary. Also, it is more difficult to connect with some therapists than others. My greatest gift is connection, and that is the answer to many of the human challenges.
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.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
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.
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
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the degree to which a person feels confident, valuable, and worthy of respect. Feeling low self-esteem can influence overall well-being and be linked to anxiety and/or depression.
Race & Cultural Identity
Challenges around race and cultural identity vary enormously, including issues related to discrimination, racism, and intergenerational trauma.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety or social phobia is fear of social situations or a fear of interacting with people other than close friends and family. Social anxiety can be persistent, intense, and debilitating, greatly affecting daily life.
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.
ADHD
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) causes a hard time focusing attention and controlling restless or impulsive behavior. People with ADHD might have emotional outbursts, be forgetful, and/or find it difficult to stay organized.
Fees
$125
First Session
$125
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Training / Certifications
Moral Reconation Therapy
Thinking for a Change
Motivational Interviewing
Trauma CBT
Licensure
GA, LPC, LPC012780
Education
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health and Clinical Rehabilitative Counseling
Work History
I am a licensed therapist with a diverse background of serving both youth and adults. I have been providing mental health services for over 10 years, in both private practice and community mental health settings. One of my greatest strengths is connecting with the clients I serve, meeting them where they are, and building a therapeutic alliance with them. I am solution focused and positive. I am very easy to talk to, and a great listener. I began my mental health career serving as a case manager for mental health needs in Treatment Court. I then went on to work with parents navigating the child welfare system that had been victims of domestic violence. I also worked at a prison as a therapist for a brief period. I then went on to become a psychometrist and mental health consultant in which I provided disability evaluations, private psychological evaluations, and mental health consultation for local Head Start Centers. I have been the Director of a Medication Assisted Treatment Program for Opioid Use, up until my most recent experience working as a therapist and coordinator for youth and young adult services at a community mental health program. Personally, I feel that serving many different needs has assisted me with not becoming burnt out, and keeping my passion alive! I am continuously learning new techniques in my field, and even if I do not have an answer, I will always find one.
Location
Dawson Road, Albany, 31707, GA