What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
I did not choose this field, but rather this field has chosen me. A friend of mine admired my qualities as a listener, as being supportive, kind, open minded, calm and positive. He offered me a job working at a crisis hospital with patients going through the most difficult experiences and circumstances. That was thirty years ago. Since then I have gone through graduate school for mental health counseling, received many trainings, certifications, and licenses. I have since worked in a variety of outpatient settings and it makes me fulfilled that I have had a positive impact on many lives.
In what ways do your life philosophy and treatment philosophy overlap?
As a life long martial artist, yoga student, and musician, as I mature I am more focused on holistic approaches for mind and body. I have attended many trainings on various approaches to counseling, healthy diet, exercise, and supplements. Instead of focusing on pharmaceuticals I am more likely to work with you toward resolving traumatic events and difficult life experiences or changing patterns in your life toward greater success and emotional freedom.
What is your style/approach to therapy?
You may seek counseling for many different reasons and I focus on what your goals and needs are and where you are on your life journey. It may be that you are seeking counseling about work, family, and/or personal relationships. There may have been some patterns that have not worked so well for you. Just talking to an objective person is a great way to reduce stress, learn better skills, and consider new perspectives and options. I am looking forward to discuss and explore with you some methods and strategies for a better life. I have nearly thirty years’ experience doing social work in various settings. I developed an eclectic theoretical perspective, drawing principles from cognitive, humanistic, Jungian and Adlerian, as well as Eastern sources. My focus is on holistic approaches involving mind and body. I have been described as an intuitive person with special interests in creativity and personal growth. I work with individuals, couples, and families.
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.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Addiction
Regular involvement with a substance or activity in a compulsive, hard to control way that often has harmful consequences. Often refers to substance use, but can include compulsive behaviors such as sex, gambling, or shopping.
Fees
$125
First Session
$125
Family Therapy
$125
Couples Therapy
$125
Group Therapy
$125
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Mindfulness Practices
Adlerian Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Eclectic Therapy
Existential Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Internal Family Systems Therapy
Jungian Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Person-Centered Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Training / Certifications
EMDR Basic Training 10/20/19
Qi Revolution Qigong Healing and Breathing Training 7/2018
Ethics of Stress Management, Self Care, and Qigong 7/2018
Recovery 2.0 Beyond Addiction online course 6/14
Family Team Conferencing Facilitation Skills Training 3/2014
Florida Adlerian Society Overview of Psychiatric Drugs 3/2016
Jack Kornfield Psychology of Loving Awareness Mindfulness Seminar in Miami 2/2017
Licensure
FL, LMHC, MH12803
Education
Masters, Mental Health Counseling, Florida State University
Work History
I began working in psychiatric hospitals. I went to graduate school at Florida Atlantic University and finished my masters at Florida State University. Since that time, I have worked mostly as a therapist in outpatient settings at mental health centers.
Location
1304 W 18th Street, Lehigh Acres, 33972, FL