What are some the unique issues faced by clients in your particular field of specialization, in terms of mental health education, care, and/or treatment?
There are certain stigmas, biases, and stereotypes associated with diagnoses and traumas that people in society contend with every day. I understand that these traumas and diagnoses are not something that you choose in your life but are something that happens to you. Or is a diagnosis that you must learn to live with. Nor do they define you. As such, I don't conduct my therapy with these stigmas, biases, and stereotypes in any way the way society can sometimes put them at the forefront. They're an unhealthy addition to therapy for something that a person does not choose for themselves.
What does success look like in therapy? How will a client know that they are making progress?
Success in therapy with me doesn't look the same as with other counselors nor does it look the same for every person. It's not a one size fits all approach. Success is very individualized when it comes to therapy with each person and is measured differently. The way that I approach this is by giving you no more than you can handle at once. I also give you individual benchmarks by which you can measure progress. Slowly this opens up the bigger picture little by little, which starts with recognizing what the issues are, to begin with. If you cannot start with recognizing the issues and then the 'why', then you can never make any progress and succeed in therapy and life. This is the start to changing your thinking that changes your actions.
In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
Because I come from a different cultural background, I'm very patient and understanding. I'm also very respectful and persistent. I'm a Veteran, which the military is a melting pot of cultures. I'm more culturally competent due to my own life experiences being from another country and from my time in the military, and the exposure to all the cultures there. It gives me a unique perspective and life experience that most do not have, which assists in my approach to therapy.
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.
Anger management
It's normal to experience anger at times, but for some, it becomes so frequent, intense, or difficult to control that it negatively affects their life. Anger management is a structured therapeutic approach toward reducing one’s anger to a point where more appropriate coping and/or conflict management skills are used. Beliefs and thoughts leading toward anger outbursts are explored while healthy coping and interpersonal skills are put into practice.
Sleep & insomnia issues
Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking frequently. While it can be a normal response to stress, it can also lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and distress, as well as behavioral difficulties.
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.
Veterans' issues
Veterans’ issues involve any issues associated with veterans and/or their family members (military families). Veterans oftentimes present with issues that are unique to the human experience. PTSD, suicide, and substance use prevalence are high with this population as a result of immense stress and trauma. Other issues may include adjustment to civilian life, re-integrating with family, medical care, mental health treatment, employment, and finances.
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.
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.
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.
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
$80
First Session
$130
Family Therapy
$120
Couples Therapy
$150
Group Therapy
$100
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Couples Session
Group Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Eclectic Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Person-Centered Therapy
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
Training / Certifications
LPC license, Suicide Prevention Safety Planning Training, CALM Suicide Prevention Training, Crisis Management Training, Basic Facilitator Training, Oeration Resilient Families (ORF), ORF Training for Trainers
Licensure
TX, LPC, 77334
Education
Masters of Counseling, LPC; Masters of Psychology; PhD of Psychology
Work History
As a Veteran, I understand the experiences that are part of daily living while in the military. When PTSD becomes part of daily living after that stage of life ends, I can help you learn to manage it. I will help you find therapeutic tools and techniques that help you as an individual when it becomes overwhelming so that you can get back to a normal life. I can help you learn healthy coping skills when you're feeling stressed or having negative thoughts. As the anxiety, insomnia, anger, and urge to self-medicate comes creeping in, I'll be there with you every step of the way.
Location
PO Box 1515, Dickinson, 77539, TX