What is your style/approach to therapy?
My experience, education, and training has led me to adopt an eclectic and integrative approach to therapy. This is because everyone has different needs and flexibility and adaptability are important in therapy. For instance, I can employ cognitive behavioral techniques if there is immediate need for symptom relief, but would move towards psychodynamic principles if there is a need to address the root cause of a psychological and/or emotional distress. Having said this, there are universal elements in my approach to therapy. First, the relationship between the client and the therapist would be a crucial focus of therapy. Second, there is an emphasis on the here and now, but I would never neglect someone's personal history, especially if they are effecting the present. Thirdly, goal setting would be a crucial part of therapy.
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
Starting therapy for the first time can be an overwhelming feeling. Hesitancy and ambivalence about initiating therapy is not only common, but something that should be expected. This is because it is difficult to discuss personal matters with a complete stranger and there is a sense of ambiguity as far as what to expect as a result. If there is one thing I wish people knew about the therapy experience, it is that processing thoughts and feelings in a safe space has a curative and healing effect. Therapy provides a safe space that promotes free expression with a trained professional, a neutral party whose only agenda is to help the client. The therapist promotes an environment of understanding, empathy, and a non-judgmental stance. elements that are crucial in helping someone make meaningful connections between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
Goal setting is a crucial part of the counseling process. In order to determine therapy goals with my clients, I take into account that said goals should be individualized and centered around the needs of the client. To do so, I like to collaborate with clients to first carefully assess the presenting problem. Once this is defined through collaboration and careful assessment, we develop a desired outcome around said problem. The desired outcome could be something general, but as we develop our treatment plan, we break it down in a specific, measurable, relevant, and time-specific way. I think it is very important to take a significant amount of time on this process, as it is crucial to have some direction of where our journey would be taking us.
Specialties
Child mental health
Children can be impacted by things like anxiety, depression, ADHD and more. However, they can be difficult to identify because kids aren’t always able to communicate effectively. Untreated, child mental health issues can have long-term effects.
Parenting issues
Parenting issues involve those associated with the child-rearing process. These may include safety, discipline, nutrition, finances, childcare, school, household rules, chores, daily routines, social activities, and relationships with extended family members. Because child-rearing practices vary by culture, cultural norms must be considered.
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.
Behavioral Issues
Behavioral disorders involve a pattern of disruptive behaviors that cause problems in school, at home, and in social situations. Can include hyperactivity, impulsivity, defiant behavior, chronic patterns of aggression, defiance, disruption, and/or hostility.
Alcohol addiction & abuse
Alcohol addiction & abuse
General Expertise
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.
Anger management
It's normal to experience anger at times, but for some, it becomes so frequent, intense, or difficult to control that it negatively affects their life. Anger management is a structured therapeutic approach toward reducing one’s anger to a point where more appropriate coping and/or conflict management skills are used. Beliefs and thoughts leading toward anger outbursts are explored while healthy coping and interpersonal skills are put into practice.
Communication issues
Source of communication challenges in circumstances and relationships that can have a negative impact on mental health. Misunderstandings and misinterpretations often lead to arguments in personal, platonic, or professional relationships.
Domestic violence
Involves physical, sexual, or emotional abuse within the context of a family or relationship. Can happen to any gender, age, ethnicity, etc. and is often related to power dynamics and an abuse of power.
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.
In-Network Insurance
Cigna
Fees
$125
Family Therapy
$125
Couples Therapy
$100
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Psychoanalytic Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
Training / Certifications
Post Master’s in Licensed Professional Counseling- Caldwell University
Licensure
FL, LMHC, MH19226
Education
M.A. in Psychoanalysis-NY Graduate School of Psychoanalysis
B.S. in Psychology- University of Scranton
Work History
I have experience in various settings in the field of counseling. I have worked in a residential program that provided housing to adults struggling with mental illness and addiction. I have also provided family counseling to parents and teenagers with behavioral issues. Currently, I provide family counseling and prevention services to families that have been involved with the Department of Children & Families. As such, I have experience working issues such as domestic violence, trauma, parenting, life transitions, addictions, and coping with mental illness.
Location
Remote Therapist, Hollywood, 33019, FL