How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
Therapy goals are vital in the therapeutic process. It allows both the client and therapist to examine if the issue presented at the onset has been addressed and whether the client feels there has been some improvement in that area of his/her life. I am a proponent of having the client determine their own goals in therapy. I believe that the client knows best for what troubles him/her but there are times when talking through the process in the form of inquiry and expression that both the client and therapist can identify issues that help establish their goals. This process is a form of collaboration in which the therapist assists the client in identifying areas they want to work on and therefore create those particular goals. Therapy goals can change and the client can decide if they want to work on other issues or exercise their rights to continue or end therapy. As a therapist, I am here to assist my clients through the therapeutic process by checking with the client as to their progress or help them identify any barriers that may be preventing resolution to their issues. Through the process of collaboration and assessment, the client will be able to reexamine their goals, create new ones or decide that they have reached acceptable resolution regarding their issues.
What do you think is the biggest barrier today for people seeking care?
Barriers can exist all around us in various ways but some barriers people may encounter when seeking care is more personal than environment. It can be frightening and daunting to think that some person you do not know is to hear of your struggles, fears, dreams, goals, etc. I hope to ease that fear by creating a safe environment where unconditional positive regard is exercised. To ease the client's concerns of attending therapy, I will review the client’s rights, therapeutic expectations and limitations and confidentiality issues during the intake session. My hope is that people seek help when they find themselves overwhelmed and need support to help them work through those concerns and issues. There are many counseling services available for a client to review. I believe in a person’s right to choose whether they want to start therapy or continue therapy with me. I believe in building therapeutic trust which requires both the therapist and client to be honest during the process. It is also important to understand that the process may be challenging for clients and may elicit feelings of unrest. Through this therapeutic process, the client and I can work on those issues in a collaborative manner.
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.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Anger management
It's normal to experience anger at times, but for some, it becomes so frequent, intense, or difficult to control that it negatively affects their life. Anger management is a structured therapeutic approach toward reducing one’s anger to a point where more appropriate coping and/or conflict management skills are used. Beliefs and thoughts leading toward anger outbursts are explored while healthy coping and interpersonal skills are put into practice.
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.
Family issues
Familial relationships can be the source of stress and emotional pain, even in the healthiest of situations. Painful interactions can range from irritation to resentment and lead to feelings of guilt, disappointment, and anger.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fees
$150
First Session
$150
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Strength Based Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Marriage and Family Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Structural Family Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Training / Certifications
Trained in TF-CBT (pending certification)
Licensure
TX, LPC, 19743
TX, LMFT, 201103
Education
MA, Marriage & Family Therapy, St. Mary University, San Antonio, TX
BBA, Marketing, St. Mary University, San Antonio, TX
Work History
My career journey as a mental health clinician began 16 years ago when I worked at an agency that serviced families and children experiencing abuse, domestic violence and behavioral issues respectively. I then ventured into working with a more specific population; with at-risk youth in a residential treatment facility. It was there that I utilized and improved my skills in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) while enhancing my family therapy skills in Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Structural Family Therapy. During my time at this facility, I was trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and I am pending certification. It is now that I embark in private practice due to the events that have occurred last year with COVID-19. The facility I worked at for 14+ years had to close due to the financial impact contributed by this community health risk. I am grateful for my time at this facility and look forward to my future with gratitude and strength in knowing that my skills will be better served for a larger population of individuals, youth and families.
Location
S. Miguel, San Antonio, 78233, TX