What does a first session with you look like?
Should you choose to work with me the first session would be focused on what your worries and struggles are. I would listen and before the end of the first session we would come up with a mutually agreed upon plan to help you move forward with making your life better.
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
I became a counselor because I came through difficult times myself and I learned that life was never meant to be traveled alone. I am not fond of therapists or counselors who wear a white coat and consider the client as sick; and themselves somehow above them. I am here because I have experienced the human struggles of life and want to help others as I myself have been helped.
How has your particular field of specialization evolved in recent years and how has that impacted your work?
There is no roadmap for step-families trying to navigate the special issues related to child-rearing step-families often confront. During my time doing custody evaluations, I learned a great deal about what works for parents sharing custody and what doesn't work. I can help navigate that challenging terrain. During this time of COVID-19 it is normal to feel isolated, alone and down. Having someone listen, understand and support can be extremely valuable to get through hard days.
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.
Custody issues
Often faced during separation or divorce, arrangements for child custody and support must be negotiated. At times prolonged or high-conflict, this can lead to mental health challenges like anxiety or depression among family members.
Parenting issues
Parenting issues involve those associated with the child-rearing process. These may include safety, discipline, nutrition, finances, childcare, school, household rules, chores, daily routines, social activities, and relationships with extended family members. Because child-rearing practices vary by culture, cultural norms must be considered.
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.
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.
Sexuality Based Issues
Sexuality refers to habits and preferences in terms of sexual behavior, which people express in many ways. Issues in this area may be related to confusion or distress about sexuality or sexual identity.
Fees
$110
First Session
$110
Family Therapy
$110
Couples Therapy
$110
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Marriage and Family Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Training / Certifications
Externship-Marriage and Couples Therapy, with a focus on working with families in court. University of Rochester
Post-MSW Fellowship, Child and Family studies, Yale University
Licensure
FL, LCSW, 16352
Education
PhD, Child and Family Studies, Syracuse University
MSW, Social Work, St. Louis University
MEd, Counseling, St. Lawrence University
Work History
I began my career as an officer with the US Air Force, where I worked with military members and their families for 21 years. During that time I worked in a variety of social work and mental health settings at Air Force installations around the world. This included out-patient mental health, in-patient mental health and substance abuse treatment. For the past 22 years I have served full-time as a Professor of Social Work at Roberts Wesleyan College. I teach in the Master of Social Work Program, helping graduate students understand psychopathology and how to provide psychotherapy to clients and their families. While teaching I have also continued to work with clients, with eight years experience in adoption work and the past nine years advocating for children whose parents are divorced or separated. I have also worked extensively with step family issues.
Location
1761 Edgewater Drive, Mount Dora, 32757, FL