What does success look like in therapy? How will a client know that they are making progress?
Success in therapy is when a client becomes motivated and open to exploring their issues and when he/she/they understand that the therapy is work and requires application of learning in real life. Success is when a client feels understood and is willing to work through pain. A client will know they are making progress when they can be honest with themselves,reflect, endure discomfort and develop a trusting rapport with the therapist.
Are there any recurring themes or issues you’ve noticed as you treat people in your area of specialization, and how has this insight guided your approach?
Ive found that many people fear change because they begin to understand that with change comes loss. Its courageous to acknowledge the need for change but even scarier to move from a place of knowing (comfort or discomfort)to move into an unknown space. With loss comes anxiety and often it helps to have a person beside you lighting the way. Someone who understands the pain, helps you carry it and move forward.
In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
Throughout my life i have always been defined as the "positive one" - a person who despite the odds can develop a plan and foresee a successful outcome. People are drawn to me due to my compassionate and non-judgemental stance. Those who know me understand that I can partner with them in carrying their burden/pain. Of course, in order to accomplish this, trust needs to be established and earned. I am willing accept feedback and feel it is important to ensure we are working together to reach ones goals.
Specialties
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.
Abuse/Survivors of abuse
Abuse includes any significant mistreatment along the lines of psychical, emotional, sexual, verbal, and neglect. Survivors of abuse may experience negative thoughts and feelings, flashbacks, distrust of others, social withdrawal, self-harm, and increased likelihood of developing mental health and substance abuse issues.
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.
Cancer Support
Cancer support helps to improve quality of life and strengthen coping skills in cancer patients and survivors. Goals include reducing the distress, anxiety, and depression commonly associated with cancer diagnosis as well as processing complicated feelings, like grief, that may arise from such a serious illness.
General Expertise
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.
Chronic illness
Persisting health conditions causing significant barriers to daily functioning as well as discrepancies in how society responds to disabilities. Can impact people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and lead to feelings of isolation, uncertainty, and helplessness.
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.
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.
Fees
$100
First Session
$100
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Training / Certifications
Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist
Licensure
NY, LCSW, 026511
Education
MSW
Work History
My twenty years working as a Hospice social worker has well prepared me to be an active, compassionate tele-therapist who specializes in loss and grief counseling. My work for almost a year as a tele-therapist has allowed me to utilize additional skills such as cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology and supportive therapeutic approaches.
Location
Remote Therapist, Rhinebeck, 12572, NY