If you could pick one movie or book that influenced your approach to therapy, what would it be and why?
In the film Good Will Hunting, the therapist uses rare techniques like strong confrontation and lots of self disclosure. He does engage in a few unrealistic Hollywood therapist stereotypes. However, the themes of a therapist connecting and adapting skills to a difficult to reach client are inspiring to me. He builds a connection with someone who does not know how. He does not use manipulation or shame with a defensive client. He helps his client discover both his challenges and their solutions, while respecting and valuing him unconditionally. By connecting and creating safety to face and overcome pain, a successful plan comes to life.
What does a first session with you look like?
It is my responsibility to help every client experience acceptance and hope at our first session. We will build a connection by finding your preferences with physical positioning, communication style and expectations from your therapist. I will help minimize anxiety, doubt or discomfort you may feel. I will explain my style, education and experience with your particular issues. Then we will develop a treatment plan based on your needs and goals. It is exciting to work with people on a journey to improvement, and I aim to have you share that hopefulness.
Is there any research-based work you’ve done that you found particularly exciting, and how has that informed your practice today?
During my residency, research proved that theoretical knowledge and therapy skills are useless without a therapist-client connection. We researched how understanding family history, personality, culture, gender, orientation and beliefs facilitate that connection. Part of connection is clarity. Clients deserve to understand how therapy works, what the goals and expectations are and how your therapist plans to help achieve them. The residency transformed a rookie with good intentions to a a confident, excited practitioner.
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.
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.
Abuse/Survivors of abuse
Abuse includes any significant mistreatment along the lines of psychical, emotional, sexual, verbal, and neglect. Survivors of abuse may experience negative thoughts and feelings, flashbacks, distrust of others, social withdrawal, self-harm, and increased likelihood of developing mental health and substance abuse issues.
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.
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.
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.
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the degree to which a person feels confident, valuable, and worthy of respect. Feeling low self-esteem can influence overall well-being and be linked to anxiety and/or depression.
Race & Cultural Identity
Challenges around race and cultural identity vary enormously, including issues related to discrimination, racism, and intergenerational trauma.
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
Aetna
Optum
United Healthcare
United Medical Resources
Fees
$125
Couples Therapy
$100
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Training / Certifications
Residency at the Louis De La Parte Florida Mental Health Institute.
Licensure
GA, LPC, LPC004284
FL, LMHC, MH5809
Education
MA. Psychology and Mental Health Counseling. University of South Florida.
Work History
I was fortunate with inspired University professors, a transformative research residency and 30 years of experience. This created a solution focused and enthousiastic therapist. I have worked with people dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, abuse histories, loneliness, addiction and stress to name a few. I am grateful for the positions in medical, psychiatric and private practice organizations that taught me what theory alone cannot. Being a confident, effective and joyful therapist does not only benefit clients, it rewards the therapist as well.
Location
1335 Canton Rd NE, Marietta, 30066, GA