How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
I use a "miracle question" to help clients visualize what they want from therapy and for their lives. Through the use of imagination, clients can readily define what they are coming to therapy to achieve. This process provides both the client and the therapist a roadmap to work toward and hopefully reach what most matters to the client.
If you could pick one movie or book that influenced your approach to therapy, what would it be and why?
"Love's Executioner" is a book by psychiatrist Irvin Yalom. In it, he stresses the importance of loving your clients, as the most instrumental practice for being successful as a therapist. This book so resonated with me when I was first practicing as a therapist, because my personal philosophy involves loving and accepting people 'where they are.' In truth, this can be difficult if you encounter a client who somehow rubs you the wrong way, or who has perhaps violated some of your own personal standards or beliefs. I have found, however, that I have rarely had to refer a client to a different therapist due to my personal or ethical issues with them. Instead, my own capacity to love has grown through recognizing the aspects of humanness we all share and the recognition that one's personal history and experiences have shaped them in sometimes distressing ways. Ultimately, most all of us want to love and be loved.
What does a first session with you look like?
My approach with new clients is to primarily be a good listener. I ask why they have come to therapy, and allow them time to express their primary concerns. I try to provide a very open and easy atmosphere to begin to develop a sense of safety and acceptance. I usually ask some general questions to assess any history of previous therapy, medications, what supports they have, what they have tried, and whether or not there's any history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. I invite the client to ask me any questions they have about me or my approach. Finally, I acknowledge the courage it takes to begin therapy, and offer some general ideas about what shape our work together may take.
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.
Codependency
Involves a person sacrificing their needs to meet the needs of others. Their thoughts and actions center on a significant other, spouse, friend, or relative. Becomes an issue when relationships are unbalanced and unhealthy.
Life transitions
Positive and negative change can be difficult, including things like moving, breaking up, adjusting to parenthood, or changing careers. It’s normal to feel stressed, however, life transitions can inhibit people from living healthy lifestyles.
Couples
Provides couples therapy/counseling
General Expertise
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
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.
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.
Codependency
Involves a person sacrificing their needs to meet the needs of others. Their thoughts and actions center on a significant other, spouse, friend, or relative. Becomes an issue when relationships are unbalanced and unhealthy.
Fees
$100
First Session
$120
Couples Therapy
$100
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Strength Based Therapy
Eclectic Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Reality Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Training / Certifications
Emotional Freedom Techniques, Stress Management, Rational Emotive Therapy, Bipolar Disorders, Motivational Interviewing, Cultural Awareness/Competency
Licensure
VA, LPC, 0701003149
Education
Master of Science, Counseling
Work History
Initially licensed in 2001, I have worked as a counselor in public schools, colleges, non-profit agencies, and in private practice. I've served as a mentor, supervisor, and clinical director in several settings, which has afforded me a rich opportunity to expand my understanding and knowledge of the therapeutic relationship. That relationship is fundamental to developing a productive connection with clients. My 'niche' has become working with issues of depression and anxiety, which are the two most frequent issues in mental health. I also enjoy working with couples to improve communication and strengthen a sense of connection.
Location
Remote Therapy, Virginia Beach, 23451, VA