What does a first session with you look like?
A first session with me entails you giving me as much information about yourself. Remember that the more information you give me about what is distressing to you, the better I will be able to help you. We will go over a few rules about therapy and expectations. Then we will begin to work on any distressing issues that you have. Before the session is over, you may be given an assignment for reflection to share in your next session.
How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
After you give a short history about yourself and issues that may be causing you distress, I will ask you to list what your expectations are. For example, maybe you want to be a better communicator or more assertive. Your expectations are your goals. I will help you make a list of goals with objectives (small steps to take) so that you can work towards being a better communicator or more assertive. Every couple of days or weeks, we will review the goals and objectives to remind you of what your re working towards. Those goals can always change whenever you wish. It is your therapy, and you are in charge.
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
Making the decision to receive any form of mental health counseling can be taxing, however, the results of seeking treatment. are usually positive and rewarding. No one has to know that you are in treatment. This is your personal time to work on yourself. Treat this time as your mental spa day!
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.
Drug addiction & abuse
Dependence on particular substance or inability to control impulses in relation to drug or alcohol use. Withdrawal symptoms commonly experienced in absence of the substance.
Mood disorders
Mood disorder is a broad term used to include the different types of depressive and bipolar disorders, all of which affect mood. With a mood disorder, your moods may range from extremely low to extremely high or irritable.
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.
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.
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.
Careers
Designed to help people choose, change, or leave a career at any stage of life. Careers are often wrapped up in people’s perceived identity, therefore, any change can cause anxiety and/or depression.
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.
Academic challenges
Concerns that impact school performance or academic life. Can include perfectionism, bullying, financial stress, academic transitions, test anxiety, balancing school with other responsibilities, discrimination, or harassment.
Fees
$150
First Session
$150
Family Therapy
$150
Couples Therapy
$50
Group Therapy
$150
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Couples Session
Family Session
Individual Session
Group Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Mindfulness Practices
Bibliotherapy
Coaching
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Multicultural Therapy
Music Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Positive Psychology
Psychoanalytic Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Play Therapy
Training / Certifications
Trauma Incidence Reduction (TIR) trained
Thinking for a Change (coping skills) certified facilitator
Motivational Interviewing trained
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) trained
Trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy
EMDR trained
Licensure
FL, LMHC, MH19092
Education
Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology; Carlos Albizu University
Work History
For over 20 years, I have worked in the mental health field as a therapist. Never in a million years did I ever think providing counseling to individuals, couples, families, and groups, would be the career to captivate my heart….but it is! My specialties are working with clients who may be suffering from traumatic incidents, substance abuse, various forms of anxiety (PTSD, stress disorders), depression, and self-esteem.
Location
2719 Hollywood Blvd, Suite A-1979, Hollywood, 33020, FL