In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
I think that the demonstration of my personality is important in my approach to therapy. I am a human first and a counselor, second. Allowing my personality to be present in therapy sessions allows for my clients to observe my authenticity. I also believe that it helps me to connect to my clients in a genuine way by being transparent and sometimes disclosing some of my own challenges. I think that this can be beneficial in helping them to recognize that they are not alone in their struggles.
What does a first session with you look like?
A first session would be an opportunity for us to get to know one another and to assess if we can develop an appropriate fit to develop a therapeutic relationship. My style of therapy may not be what appeals to them so we would need to explore this in the first session. We would also discuss how therapy will proceed with regard to the number and frequency of sessions, goals of therapy, and possibly establish a regular and consistent schedule for sessions. I will also ask a number of questions to determine the specific challenges that the client is experiencing that prompted them to therapy. The first session would also be an excellent time for the client to ask any questions of me that will help them to feel more comfortable about engaging in this process.
What do you think is the biggest barrier today for people seeking care?
I think that there is still a stigma attached to mental health. I think that there is a misunderstanding of the challenges associated with mental and emotional health. When people do not understand something, they tend to be fearful or apprehensive of it and work to avoid it. In addition, people do not want to be seen as weak or vulnerable, especially if they are in prominent positions or feel that they have certain expectations to meet. People need to feel safe to know that their struggles are not a reflection of who they are as a person and recognize that everyone needs help sometimes, whether or not they seek it.
Specialties
Depression
Anxiety
Self-Esteem
Stress
Trauma
General Expertise
Relationship Issues
Loss/Grief
Race & Cultural Identity
ADHD
Addiction
Anger management
Bullying
Caregiver stress & support
Fees
$100
First Session
$100
Family Therapy
$100
Couples Therapy
$100
Group Therapy
$100
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Individual Session
Couples Session
Retreats
Group Session
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Bibliotherapy
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Family Systems Therapy
Training / Certifications
Trauma- Informed CBT
Licensure
AL, LPC, 3141
Education
Doctor of Education, Organizational Leadership, Nova Southeastern University
Master of Arts, Agency Counseling, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Work History
I have over 20 years of experience in the fields of mental and behavioral health. I have had opportunities to work in inpatient and outpatient settings, with clients in every age range, including children and geriatrics. I provide individual, group, couples/marriage, and family therapy. I have worked with clients that struggle with a myriad of issues, such as depression, anxiety, self- esteem, substance use and other addictions, etc. I attempt to tailor counseling services to each client's individual needs and preferences.
Location
1300 Avenue R, Renew Counseling and Consulting, LLC, Birmingham, 35218, AL