In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
My personality and faith has created a sensitivity to respond to the emotional needs of others. With training, this has allowed me to use this gift, to communicate genuine concern, and create a safe treatment environment. When clients feel accepted and valued, they can express thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement. This promotes developing trust early in treatment. Once trust begins, we have a firm foundation for a successful partnership for moving forward.
What do you think is the biggest barrier today for people seeking care?
I believe there remains a lack of information on the benefits of therapy, particularly in communities of color. Stigma continues to play a role and unfortunately media has at times, reinforced negative images. I believe that information will improve as more people in positions of influence, demonstrate the courage to share their stories of seeking the assistance they need. I also hope, as clients come through my office, they will be inspired to share the value of mental health care from an enriching personal experience.
What do you view as a key component of the therapeutic relationship?
Trust is central to the therapeutic relationship. If a client does not feel I can be trusted, they will have no motivation to share their life story and deepest concerns. In therapy, I recognize the strength this takes with my clients, and demonstrate respect for their choice to share it with me. Once trust is established, we can work together to build a roadmap to meaningful change and a better life.
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.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
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.
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.
General Expertise
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.
Race & Cultural Identity
Challenges around race and cultural identity vary enormously, including issues related to discrimination, racism, and intergenerational trauma.
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.
Fees
$100
First Session
$100
Family Therapy
$100
Couples Therapy
$100
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Pastoral & Faith Based Counseling
Training / Certifications
CBT for Depression, Seeking Safety Trauma/SUD, CPT for Trauma
Licensure
GA, LCSW, CSW000460
Education
MSW, Social Work, University of Georgia
BS, Sociology/Psychology, Georgia Southern University
Work History
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have been invited to come alongside many individuals seeking the Pathway to Health, Healing and Wholeness. Some were dealing with emotional pain from childhood wounds, while others were suffering from more recent traumas. These experiences can make it difficult to connect with the present in a meaningful way. Using CBT and other treatment options, for 19 years I have seen clients find their personal power and embrace life again. Challenging Negative thoughts and beliefs with facts also brought more freedom to clients dealing with anxiety and depression. This success was due to the client centered approach I take which puts clients in the drivers seat. Working in community mental health settings, family outreach programs, the Veterans Administration and private practice has demonstrated to me that where there is life, there is hope. I see myself as an encourager motivated to help others find the keys to overcoming barriers to pursuing the life they desire. I welcome the opportunity to help you activate Hope to reach your goals and live your best life.
Location
Remote Therapy, Grayson, 30017, GA