What does a first session with you look like?
Generally, we would start with a deeper exploration of what has brought you to therapy. We will discuss the history around the issue, depending on the area focus. We will look for any current coping skills you have to address the issue, reflecting on past therapy (what worked- what did not) so we can try new avenues of therapy if so desired. We will definitely identify your strengths because EVERYONE has them, talk about supports you have or don't have in your life right now and what you’re hoping to gain from therapy. The first session is a time to allow you to "feel" me out, get a sense if you can see yourself getting to know me better and vice versa and it is always a time to ask questions. Usually, by the end of the first session you and I will have a clearer sense of direction as to what you need support around and identified goals for start of therapy.
In what ways do your life philosophy and treatment philosophy overlap?
My life philosophy encompasses these core values, empathy, strength in vulnerability, authenticity, resilience, courage, compassion, trustworthiness, consistency, fairness, commitment, faith, honesty, ethics and service to others. My life philosophy overlaps with my treatment philosophy in the way I meet my clients where they "are at" in their process, holding in faith and with deep compassion how difficult and terrifying it may be to approach change sometimes. That in being vulnerable and learning to trust again, forming new supportive bonds, we can heal the old bonds of trauma to promote long-lasting change. I propose that we all have the answers to own struggles inside of us, that our experiences provide more than enough information to explore our past to inform our current struggles.
In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
I believe that in the spirit of authenticity there is no way my personal experience will not influence my work with clients. I bring a wealth of "human" experience to client sessions along with humanity, compassion and a sharing of my insights based on personal work I have done to grow myself. In addition, my personal experiences provide depth to the work by "feeling into" clients experience. It is especially helpful if I can relate on personal level to what someone is experiencing, this allows me to connect, provide empathy, an authentic knowing of what they are experiencing but with the utmost respect that this is THIER therapy and process of healing. I will self-disclose certain information if it informs the work as "educational" to what we are doing in that moment and to deepen the therapy relationship but only if it will not take anything away from the client. I am of the heart that my personal experience can only richen the work for a client and can be utilized in way to promote a deeper healing for them.
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.
Substance abuse
Substance abuse is the intentional misuse of a substances (e.g., alcohol, prescription drugs, OTC medications, recreational and street drugs, household chemicals). This may include binge drinking or taking twice the prescribed dose of painkillers. For substances considered illegal and/or extremely detrimental to well-being, using even once may be considered substance abuse. Because of the addiction potential for many substances, abuse oftentimes leads to addiction.
Trauma
Trauma is the result of experiencing a perceived, extremely distressful event. Although the stress threshold for each person differs, meaning that each person considers and experiences trauma differently, it is an event that tops one’s threshold. It exceeds one’s ability to cope or emotionally process. Symptoms may include shock, anxiety, confusion, hopelessness, feeling disconnected, mood swings, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
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.
ADHD
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) causes a hard time focusing attention and controlling restless or impulsive behavior. People with ADHD might have emotional outbursts, be forgetful, and/or find it difficult to stay organized.
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.
Fees
$175
First Session
$150
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
Strength Based Therapy
Attachment-Based Therapy
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Gestalt Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Person-Centered Therapy
Positive Psychology
Somatic Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Training / Certifications
Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC)-6497
Multisystemic Therapy (MST) and Traditional and MST-CAN/RBT Certified
Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavior Therapy & Mindfulness Trained
Certified Reiki II Practitioner
Certified in Aromatouch provider by DoTerra
Ongoing member of The Hartford Family Institute - Psychotherapy and Somatic Program and Community
Licensure
CT, LPC, 3527
MA, LMHC, 11330
Education
Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling - Bay Path University
Work History
I offer a unique experience, I am an intuitive counselor using many different modalities. I offer close to two decades of experience working and aiding people reach recovery from substance abuse, trauma, anxiety and depression. My mixed approach is flexible to your needs, meeting you "where they are at" in current time and space, while holding your history and process to aid you in self exploration and a deeper knowing while providing you a safe space to do that.
Location
Remote Therapy, Enfield, 06082, CT