What is your style/approach to therapy?
I am trained in many styles and will choose the ones to use that I think will best suit your needs. I don't do cookie-cutter therapy as each of my clients are distinct individuals with different backgrounds. Even though I work predominately with trauma, it can look very different from one person to the next, and your interpretation of a situation will be different from another persons due to your thinking, experiences, and way of processing information. I use a lot of humor and storytelling so that the session is not dry or boring, and I bring reality into every situation so that we are always working on what will benefit you.
What are some the unique issues faced by clients in your particular field of specialization, in terms of mental health education, care, and/or treatment?
Trauma clients can have nightmares, fears, anxiety, depression, triggers, and reactions that seem odd to the untrained. I used to suffer from PTSD from a bad relationship and sexual abuse, but it manifested again after my apartment got robbed and I started having fear while in the shower (a place I felt vulnerable) as thinking of pirates (perhaps because they are known for pillaging), which seems absurd to someone who is not adept at working with trauma, but was a symptom that could be treated in therapy.
In what ways have your personal experiences influenced your work with your clients?
I grew up poor and faced evictions and homelessness as a child while my parents were in active addiction. I grew up in ethnically mixed neighborhoods and was taught that everyone is equal, worthy, and the same. As a result, I feel that I understand the experience of multiple cultures through a socio-economic lens as a result. I also understand addiction on a personal and professional level and see people with addiction as needing help, not villains.
Specialties
Addiction
Regular involvement with a substance or activity in a compulsive, hard to control way that often has harmful consequences. Often refers to substance use, but can include compulsive behaviors such as sex, gambling, or shopping.
Abuse/Survivors of abuse
Abuse includes any significant mistreatment along the lines of psychical, emotional, sexual, verbal, and neglect. Survivors of abuse may experience negative thoughts and feelings, flashbacks, distrust of others, social withdrawal, self-harm, and increased likelihood of developing mental health and substance abuse issues.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a condition that is precipitated by a perceived terrifying event. This event need not occur directly to the person but may happen vicariously—having seen something terrible happen to another person. The condition may last months or years while symptoms include ruminating thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, intense anxiety when triggered, and potential substance abuse in attempt to cope.
Trauma
Trauma is the result of experiencing a perceived, extremely distressful event. Although the stress threshold for each person differs, meaning that each person considers and experiences trauma differently, it is an event that tops one’s threshold. It exceeds one’s ability to cope or emotionally process. Symptoms may include shock, anxiety, confusion, hopelessness, feeling disconnected, mood swings, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
Veterans' issues
Veterans’ issues involve any issues associated with veterans and/or their family members (military families). Veterans oftentimes present with issues that are unique to the human experience. PTSD, suicide, and substance use prevalence are high with this population as a result of immense stress and trauma. Other issues may include adjustment to civilian life, re-integrating with family, medical care, mental health treatment, employment, and finances.
General Expertise
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.
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.
Fees
$150
First Session
$150
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Strength Based Therapy
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Eclectic Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Person-Centered Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
Reality Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Hypnotherapy
Training / Certifications
Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist
Certified Practitioner, Rapid Resolution Therapy
Licensure
FL, LMHC, MH10548
GA, LPC, LPC012398
Education
Master of Science, Mental Health Counseling, Nova Southeastern University
Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Nova Southeastern University
Associate of Arts, Psychology, Broward Community College
Work History
I have been working with trauma since 2008. I have worked at and run substance abuse treatment centers. I have worked with all ages, but enjoy working with teenagers and adults the most.
Location
Remote Therapist, Weston, 33331, FL