What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
As a college student the only courses that truly interested me were psychology classes. I was intrigued with how the mind works, the choices people make and how these decisions are influenced by culture, environment and heredity. These courses helped me to recognize my deep interest in mental health counseling. I was inspired to continue on this path as I recognized the need for counselors in my community where counseling was often considered taboo. Every day that I work with clients, it reaffirms my choice. I absolutely love providing counseling because it allows me to help others effect positive changes in their lives.
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
Therapy can be both scary and liberating. Client’s find themselves discussing some of the deepest, troubling aspects of their lives. I want my client’s to know that whatever you need to say will not be met with judgment or criticism and making changes is possible. We are capable of making positive changes and moving forward from past hurts, bad choices and mistakes. Therapy can truly be a turning point that gives individuals the opportunity to create the life they want.
How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
As part of the counseling process, it is really important to me that clients are 100% involved in creating goals for therapy. After meeting with a client for their initial intake session, I always ask, “What do you hope to get out of counseling?” This question is the first step to determining therapy goals. It helps me and the client begin the discussion about changes they would like to make during the therapy process to get to a happier, more fulfilling life. Sometimes individuals have a difficult time answering this question. My role is to help them figure this out through open, supportive counseling. I work with each person to prioritize their therapy goals and develop a plan to accomplish these goals.
Specialties
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.
Careers
Designed to help people choose, change, or leave a career at any stage of life. Careers are often wrapped up in people’s perceived identity, therefore, any change can cause anxiety and/or depression.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Life transitions
Positive and negative change can be difficult, including things like moving, breaking up, adjusting to parenthood, or changing careers. It’s normal to feel stressed, however, life transitions can inhibit people from living healthy lifestyles.
Pregnancy, perinatal, & postpartum issues
Pregnancy, perinatal, and postpartum issues entail any real or perceived problems or difficulties stemming from the childbirth experience. Pregnancy, perinatal, and postpartum experiences are stressful in many positive and negative ways while the physical body experiences immense stress. Situations vary but may be remedied through therapy and support.
General Expertise
Work Stress
Workplace issues are a common source of stress and can include interpersonal conflict, communication problems, gossip, harassment, discrimination, low motivation and job satisfaction, performance issues, and poor job fit.
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.
Caregiver stress & support
Caring for a friend or family member (paid or unpaid) includes emotional support, housework, help with finances, medication management, and shopping. Can be stressful, making caregivers more vulnerable to things like anxiety, isolation, and fatigue.
College & graduate student issues
Issues arising from being in a new environment or away from home for the first time. College-aged kids have the highest rates of mental illness, suffering things like stress, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and substance abuse.
Communication issues
Source of communication challenges in circumstances and relationships that can have a negative impact on mental health. Misunderstandings and misinterpretations often lead to arguments in personal, platonic, or professional relationships.
In-Network Insurance
New Directions Florida Blue
Fees
$130
First Session
$130
Family Therapy
$130
Couples Therapy
$130
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Marriage and Family Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Training / Certifications
Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy Training
Licensure
FL, LMHC, MH15690
Education
Masters of Science, Mental Health Counseling, Fordham University
Work History
Over the last 18 years, I have provided counseling to diverse clients facing many different challenges. My experience includes counseling individuals and heterosexual/same sex couples facing anxiety, panic, depression, relationship issues and communication challenges. Most recently, I completed training through Post-Partum International. This education has helped me provide more comprehensive counseling to mothers and fathers experiencing depression due to fertility issues, miscarriage and childbirth. I have also had the pleasure of providing career counseling to address issues related to work stress, career transition and reentering the workforce.
Location
3030 n rocky point dr., Tampa, 33607, FL