What do you think is the biggest barrier today for people seeking care?
I feel the biggest barrier to people seeking care is the stigma surrounding mental health, and lack of awareness.
What does a first session with you look like?
The first therapy session will be a time to begin building a rapport with my client. I will identify the symptoms that my client is having, determined what brought the client to therapy, and allow client to express what they feel is going wrong with their life. Additionally, I will ask various questions about regarding the history of client: including: childhood, education, relationships (family, romantic, friends), their current living situation, and career. Lastly, therapist and client will both agree to the length of treatment, method of treatment, and discuss limits of confidentiality.
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
My path to becoming a social worker was inspired by my mother and a social worker who help me during a difficult time in my life. The compassion, hope, and kindness that was shown to me, I wanted to give back to others. This is why I choose this profession, to assist with creating a positive change in the life of others.
Specialties
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fees
$130
First Session
$150
Family Therapy
$150
Couples Therapy
$130
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Training / Certifications
Certified Grief Counseling Specialist
Licensure
AL, LICSW, 4396C
Education
2014-2015: Degree-Master of Social Work Subject Area: Social Work School: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
2003-2004: Degree: Bachelor of Social Work Subject Area: Social Work School: Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, Alabama
1992-1995: Degree Associates Degree- Subject Area: Electives School: Southern Union State Jr. College, Wadley, Alabama
Work History
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 11 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have provided case management services, group therapy sessions, individual therapy sessions, therapy at school, and tele-health services. Additionally, I have even served as an in-home therapist providing mental health services in the home. I have worked with clients from a broad range of concerns including: trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, family dynamic distresses, poor communication styles, and emotional abuse. My counseling technique is very caring, encouraging, and client centered. I am very candid and direct when providing therapy. I take pride in demonstrating compassion and being sensitive and thoughtful of the needs of others. More than anything, I strongly believe in treating everyone with respect and dignity. It takes a great deal of courage to seek professional help and even more courage to implement change. I applaud you for taking the first step. I would love the opportunity to begin this journey with you in taking the next steps to begin living a more rewarding and self-empowered lifestyle. It would be an honor to help guide you along the way. I look forward to working with you.
Location
Remote therapy, Roanoke, 36274, AL