How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
I gather a comprehensive bio/psycho/social profile of the client to gain perspective of their past and current situation. Based on that information, the client is invited to share their goals in all areas of their life (emotional, physical, mental, logistical, etc.). I believe being specific and intentional with goals using the S.M.A.R.T. approach and accountability with their time-line provides a great framework to move forward. .
In what ways have your personal experiences influenced your work with your clients?
Counselors/Therapist are always cautioned against transference and countertransference with clients. This is important and essential to maintain objectivity and an ethical therapeutic alliance. I say that also acknowledging we are all human and bring our personalities, experiences, and frame of reference to the table. As an older adult, I have had many life experiences. I believe sharing and personal disclosure can be beneficial but must be used appropriately with the intent of the client's wellbeing at the forefront.
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
First of all....you are not crazy! I believe people usually behave normally to crazy circumstances and situations. Therapy is about exploration, revelation, highlighting, and understanding. If someone has trouble with their car, they go to someone with expertise in that area - a mechanic. If there are financial concerns, we see a financial planner or CPA. Behavioral issues are no different.....we sometimes need a trained, objective and understanding ear to help with direction.
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.
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.
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.
Physical wellness
Physical wellness is a state of being in which one’s physical body is healthy enough to actively participate in everyday activities appropriate to one’s age. Although illness and other medical conditions may compromise physical wellness, it extends toward efforts made to promote proper care of our bodies to attain optimal health and performance. This includes nutrition, exercise, sleep, and minimizing toxins placed into the body.
General Expertise
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.
Body image issues
Due to continued exposure to images of “normal” or “desired” body types, people can develop a range of positive or negative emotions about their appearance causing anxiety, depression, or eating disorders.
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.
Fees
$90
First Session
$90
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Adlerian Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Integrative Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Training / Certifications
Facilitator, MRT (Moral Reconation Therapy),
Facilitator, Seeking Safety (PTSD)
Mind/Body Specialty - ACE (American Council on Exercise)
Licensure
GA, LPC, LPC011832
Education
M.S., Clinical Psychology
Work History
My internship and work history center primarily on addressing depression, anxiety, substance and alcohol abuse. Many times these issues can be traced to Adverse Childhood Events (ACE) or trauma (emotional and physical) that has occurred throughout a person's life history. My approach seeks to help the individual identify and connect internal (physiological/psychological) and external (family history, living situation) to better understand and control/manage their symptoms.
Location
51, Perry Street, Newnan, 30265, GA