How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
Determining therapy goals with clients is extremely individualized to their presenting needs. I work with the client to build rapport and gain understanding of their struggles. Once this has been worked on, I will discuss my thoughts with the client pertaining to possible goals and areas of struggle I may see. I will always ask the client for feedback and make sure the client understands the goals and works with me in creating the goals for themselves. I want my clients to feel heard and supported.
What does a first session with you look like?
The first session with me typically consists of a review of limits of confidentiality, consent, and therapeutic expectations. After the review of the information I like to provide a safe and judgement free platform for clients to express their concerns with me and let me get to know them better. I provide support while really taking the time to listen to their needs and potential goals within their therapy journey. I also encourage clients to ask questions pertaining to my background or therapeutic approach for them to gain more insight into working with me. I encourage my clients to consistently provide feedback and let me know if something is or is not working for them within the therapeutic relationship in order to make any adjustments.
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
Something I wish people knew about the therapy experience is that it is okay and encouraged to discuss the relationship between clinician and client. Your therapist will be working with you regarding issues that you may never speak about to others, issues that are deeply personal and cause a great sense of vulnerability. The relationship you carry with your therapist should be a comfortable one and it may not always be a perfect match on your first try. Your openness and ability to be transparent and disclose things to your therapist will be the bases of your rapport and essentially your ability to make progress within session. So ongoing check-ins and feedback are 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.
Oppositional & defiant behavior
Oppositional and defiant behavior is often spiteful and vindictive. It is done as a means of acting out against authority. Such behavior is typical on occasion and during stressful situations but may ultimately develop into one’s personality throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Common disorders include oppositional defiant disorder in children and anti-social personality disorder in adults.
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.
Sexual health & dysfunction
Sexual health and dysfunction go well beyond the physical but into the cognitive, social and spiritual/religious domains of our being. Being sexually healthy entails feeling comfortable with one’s sexuality. This includes identity, orientation, performance, self-esteem, choice of partner(s), et cetera. It also includes congruence between one’s actions and personal values. Dysfunction may occur when one struggles with any aspect of sexuality and/or may entail a physical complication.
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
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.
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.
In-Network Insurance
All Savers Insurance
Cigna
Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare
Oscar Health
Oxford Health Plans
United Healthcare
United Medical Resources
Fees
$115
First Session
$115
Family Therapy
$115
Couples Therapy
$115
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eclectic Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Person-Centered Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Training / Certifications
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy(EMDR)
Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)
Licensure
TX, LPC, 77141
Education
Masters of Education in Counseling, University of Texas at El Paso
Work History
My work is dedicated to helping adolescents, individuals, and families dealing with issues that affect their mental health and well being due to experienced trauma. I developed an interest with working within this area as soon as I realized the immense need within the community. Formerly I have worked at centers that aided individuals who experienced domestic violence and sexual assault. It was rewarding to realize the difference one could make within the lives of others based on treatment and support. I transitioned to working with adolescents who were experiencing adverser childhood experiences to include negative sexual behaviors. This experience allowed me to gain knowledge and understanding for working with adolescents who exhibit behavioral issues, impulsivity, and oppositional issues. Most recently I continued my work within private practice working with dedicated, motivated, and goal driven adults and adolescents who experienced trauma, behavioral issues, depression, anxiety, grief, and other areas. Having clients seek services in order to make changes and work on their struggles has further enlightened my work and the ability to make a difference for those who are seeking to put in the work.
Location
Remote Therapist, El Paso, 79912, TX