What’s the most profound, insightful, or interesting thing you’ve learned as a mental health professional?
In my many years of working as a therapist, the thing that has impressed me the most is the resiliency of the human spirit. I have worked with clients who have suffered through severe trauma, or who have had to make difficult life changing decisions and yet, still find the strength to carry on. I am inspired by the strength and hope that I have witnessed in so many of my clients, and carry that positive energy into my current therapy sessions. I strive to work with my clients to find their inner strength and resiliency to reach their full potential and achieve their desired goals.
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
Even at a young age I was fascinated by human behavior and how biology and experiences shape the beliefs personality and behaviors of individuals. While still in middle school I began reading books by Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung and other early founders of psychology, which only fueled my interest. But life events prevented me from pursuing my dream of becoming a therapist after high school. Several years later I was lucky enough to meet a clinical psychologist, who would become a dear friend and mentor. With his encouragement and support, I entered college, obtained my Bachelors and Masters Degrees and ultimately became a licensed therapist.
In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
My personality influences my approach to therapy in many ways. I am friendly and easy going and I like to bring that into the therapeutic process to create a relaxed and accepting atmosphere. . My communication style is straight forward and direct, but I respect the opinions, thoughts and feelings of others. I value diversity and believe that every person has the right to be who they are without judgement, and believe we should embrace and celebrate our differences. Most of all I believe in authenticity, and being honest and genuine. In therapy I strive to create a comfortable and safe environment in which clients can address their concerns and work on personal goals while feeling validated and valued.
Specialties
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
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.
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.
Coping Skills
Coping skills are tools and techniques one can learn, practice, and use to handle difficult emotions, decrease stress, and establish or maintain a sense of internal order.
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.
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.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety or social phobia is fear of social situations or a fear of interacting with people other than close friends and family. Social anxiety can be persistent, intense, and debilitating, greatly affecting daily life.
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.
In-Network Insurance
Sana Benefits
Fees
$100
First Session
$100
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
Training / Certifications
Trained in Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
Licensure
AZ, LPC, LPC-11739
Education
Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology
Bachelors Degree in Psychology
Work History
I began my counseling career 25 years ago on the East Coast in New Jersey. I first started counseling at a residential substance abuse treatment facility and then transitioned to a juvenile detention center. I worked with adolescents, and adults, conducting individual, group and family therapy. After moving to Arizona 21 years ago, I continued counseling in correctional and residential settings. This allowed me to address a wide variety of client needs such as, anxiety, adjustment disorders, depression, relationship and family issues and anger management. My experience also includes working with LGBTQ+ clients, addressing sexual orientation and gender identity issues. Throughout my many years of experience, I have had the opportunity to work with clients from different socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds, individuals with disabilities as well as individuals with personality and psychotic disorders.
Location
Remote Therapy, Glendale, 85308, AZ