In what ways have your personal experiences influenced your work with your clients?
Empathy, Respect and Honesty. Clients of all ages, backgrounds and diversity of issues have consistently remarked that they found themselves able to speak with me about things they never have. And were often wondering why, but just as often were surprised at their sense of innate trust, respect and acceptance that they felt able. I believe this comes from a lifetime of personal experience that lends to clients sensing honesty, respect and empathy not just from my words, but through their own impression and immediate experience. More important is that I am able to hear and learn what each and every persons own personal experience is... and hear it in their own words. If people feel the empathy and experience real respect, then good work can begin and real change is within reach.
How does collaboration with other providers play into your work?
Much of my work over the years involved collaboration as a vital key to better serving my clients. It may be cliche to say, "it takes a village", but a cliche is a cliche because is rings true and is repeated and remembered. We are social creatures, and we are connected to everyone. Collaboration is a way to access a wider spectrum of understanding, resources and support directly related to the clients own needs. I have always reached out to establish collaborations from within the clients own circles as well as any and all available resources in the community. It is not for you alone to help yourself. You may be seeking a therapist because you came to the point where you knew you needed a little help. One good therapist and one willing client can accomplish a great deal. Collaboration with a wider spectrum of resources can increase the depth and degree of your progress and success in ways that you and I might never consider. It is really a best practice. We humans can't do everything all by ourselves. Sometimes we can, but opening that up and working with others means we are only widening and deepening the scope and landscape of what is available to help you now, and help support your ongoing growth. Of course, the first and most important collaboration is between you and I. We can build a therapeutic alliance based on trust and respect and your own words, thoughts and feelings will set the tone for possibilities available outside our sessions.
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
Helping. I grew up in nice enough home and family, but alcoholism, addiction and dysfunction of one kind or another meant that often i was a child in a war zone of not so safe environments filled with not so nice circumstances or people. All the adults I knew were alcoholics and many to most of my peers were tangled up in drugs, bad influences and worse choices. Maybe being the last of five kids I was able to observe all this from the calm within the storm. I sought out the calm out of trauma and a struggle to survive. This survival instinct developed a habit and knack for finding and dwelling in the eye of the storm when needed. People around me noticed and were drawn to that calm, often because they were struggling and were hungry for the calm and balance they so badly needed. This led to a habit of people asking me..."can we go sit in your car and talk?" From the front seat of my 70 Pontiac Lemans in the streets of Detroit to a lifetime in the helping profession, this path has grown, expanded and surprised even me at times. I came from troubles and help was not always there. I found the calm and survived despite the odds. So it is my nature and my way to seek out reach out and help those in need. So yes I chose this profession. But in reality, life and the troubled world called me. The act of answering that call is what continually restores my faith in humanity.
Specialties
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.
Caregiver stress & support
Caring for a friend or family member (paid or unpaid) includes emotional support, housework, help with finances, medication management, and shopping. Can be stressful, making caregivers more vulnerable to things like anxiety, isolation, and fatigue.
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.
Spirituality & religion based issues
Spirituality and religion, to a great extent, shape our moral principles, beliefs, and values. They have a role in shaping our behavior and in our relationships. Issues may include questioning one’s faith, loss of faith, struggling to find meaning, and living a life incongruent with one’s belief.
Stress
Distress stems from a subjective perception of something being unwanted, undesirable, or detrimental to your wellbeing. Excessive stress significantly impairs mental and physical health and is associated with many diseases and conditions.
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.
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.
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.
In-Network Insurance
Sana Benefits
Fees
$100
Individual Therapy
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Strength Based Therapy
Bibliotherapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Training / Certifications
NCC
Licensure
MI, LPC, 6401017362
Education
MA, Counseling, Western Michigan University
Location
Remote Therapy - serving the greater Michigan area, MI