How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
This is a great question! As we get to know one another, we will create your goals together. While some people who seek therapy already know what they hope to accomplish, others are completely unsure. Again, there is no right or wrong way to approach therapy. During intake, I will ask you directly what you want and hope for out of therapy. How will you know you are feeling better? What would be different? It is through your input, we create goals.
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
That your mental health is just as important as your physical health. I would ask why you are hesitant. Past experiences? Fear of the unknown? Stigma? Not sure what the therapist will be like? I find that clients often experience a great sense of relief during the intake, when they realize that, as your therapist, I have your best intentions at the forefront. Do not talk yourself out of something that could bring you increased happiness!
What do you view as a key component of the therapeutic relationship?
Unlike other relationships in our lives, the therapeutic relationship is objective. Even though our friends and family may do the best they can to help us, they may already have opinions or biases regarding how you should live your life. A key component then, is realizing that you will not disappoint me or be judged. I am here to help you be the best version of yourself, according to you. I am here to help you along the way!
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.
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.
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.
Stress
Distress stems from a subjective perception of something being unwanted, undesirable, or detrimental to your wellbeing. Excessive stress significantly impairs mental and physical health and is associated with many diseases and conditions.
General Expertise
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.
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.
Fees
$120
First Session
$120
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Strength Based Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Attachment-Based Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Existential Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Psychoanalytic Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
Reality Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Licensure
NY, LCSW, 081915R
Education
MSW, Social Work, Marywood University
BA, Interpersonal Communication, SUNY Geneseo
Work History
My first experience with therapy, was as the client. After surviving a traumatic event, I sought help from a therapist. Therapy proved so helpful, it was then, that my passion grew. While most of my experience has been in private practice providing individual therapy, I have worked in a county mental health clinic, an inpatient psychiatric setting and a residential group home. At the core of distress, we may find some form of unresolved shame, guilt, trauma, abuse or loss. I am here to provide "a safe place" to process those hurts, while helping you increase self-awareness and gain skills to lead a more fulfilling life. My approach is based on your needs, as there is no "one size fits all" in psychotherapy. Everyone is different, and our work together will be based upon you and how I can help. I look forward to speaking with you soon!
Location
Remote, Elmira, 14901, NY