What do you think is the biggest barrier today for people seeking care?
I believe that one of the biggest barriers for people seeking therapy is the stigma that is often associated with it, the idea that somehow you are "broken". Many people "suffer in silence" because they feel that going to someone else for help means that they "failed" or that they weren't strong enough to deal with their concerns on their own. This is particularly the case with a lot of males who grew up with "Real men don't cry", "Man up!", "Emotions are weakness." being repeated to them as well as women who had to "Be strong for the children." and "Not cause trouble in their household.". As a therapist I've learned that no-one is stronger than those that know that there is no weakness in seeking help, and that real men DO cry.
What does success look like in therapy? How will a client know that they are making progress?
Success in therapy isn't always going to look like the complete resolution of concerns or symptoms, but often looks like the client (you) learning that they have the tools to face these concerns or symptoms and come out on top. Through strength-based techniques, that teach you that you are the captain of your own ship, you will learn to not only deal with whatever adversity you have been facing but also feel confident in facing challenges yet to come. The term resilience in mental health means how well someone can stand up to adversity, and success to me means that not only have you addressed your current concerns but that you have gained resiliency that'll carry on even beyond your time in therapy.
How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
Therapy goals are determined in a very client specific and collaborative manner. During our initial visit we will discuss what you most want to get out of therapy as well as any particular challenges you are facing. From their we will work together to develop goals based around those desired outcomes and challenges and create a roadmap as to how to reach said goals. Our work will be strength-based, meaning that I will work with you on using the tools you already have at your disposal to reach your goals and face your challenges. As we all know goals, wants, and needs change over time so the goal making process will be an ongoing process that can grow and change as goals are met or become more or less important.
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.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Adolescent mental health
Adolescent mental health focuses on adolescent-specific experiences including physical and cognitive development, social and environmental factors, sex, sexual identification and orientation, emotional processing, and substance use. Given the influence that parents/guardians have on adolescents, home life is a particularly important consideration.
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.
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.
Race & Cultural Identity
Challenges around race and cultural identity vary enormously, including issues related to discrimination, racism, and intergenerational trauma.
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.
ADHD
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) causes a hard time focusing attention and controlling restless or impulsive behavior. People with ADHD might have emotional outbursts, be forgetful, and/or find it difficult to stay organized.
In-Network Insurance
Aetna
Optum
United Healthcare
United Medical Resources
Fees
$120
First Session
$120
Family Therapy
$120
Couples Therapy
$120
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Children (5-12)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Strength Based Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Training / Certifications
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certified
Motivational Interviewing Certified
Licensure
NC, LCSW, C013879
Education
Masters of Social work, University of Southern California
Bachelors of Social Work, University of North Carolina Greensboro
Work History
As your counselor, I am here to support you in making meaning, creating comfort, and uncovering resources to help you be your best self. Taking an evidenced-based, client-centered, and cognitive-behavioral (CBT) approach, I aim to provide a safe and supportive space where we can collaborate and work at your own pace to help you reach your goals. I work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds on issues including depression, anxiety, stress, and trauma. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups, and I have served clients in outpatient, community-based, and in-home settings.
Location
Remote Therapy, Winston Salem, 27127, NC