What does a first session with you look like?
In a first session, I work to gather background information and diagnostic formulations of presenting problems. Also, I will address any presenting crisis situations that need to be mitigated and lastly discuss a proposed course of treatment in working together.
In what ways have your personal experiences influenced your work with your clients?
They have given me great personal insight into helping others though their own issues. Developing trust in each other. Client goals are based on what they express as their main concerns and is often discovered through the assessment process. The first session is often focused on me asking question about your life and the issues you are facing to develop a clear assessment picture. I am rather low key, easy go, but directive and firm when needed. I am open to discussion on spiritual issues and I work to empower clients in a strength based approach.
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
My Path to being a therapist developed as I began volunteering in ministry groups and counseling people when we played concerts. Also, it stems from my person recovery in 12 Step groups for 36 years
In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
I am rather low key, easy go, but directive and firm when needed. I am open to discussion on spiritual issues and I work to empower clients in a strength based approach.
Specialties
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
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.
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.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a condition that is precipitated by a perceived terrifying event. This event need not occur directly to the person but may happen vicariously—having seen something terrible happen to another person. The condition may last months or years while symptoms include ruminating thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, intense anxiety when triggered, and potential substance abuse in attempt to cope.
Trauma
Trauma is the result of experiencing a perceived, extremely distressful event. Although the stress threshold for each person differs, meaning that each person considers and experiences trauma differently, it is an event that tops one’s threshold. It exceeds one’s ability to cope or emotionally process. Symptoms may include shock, anxiety, confusion, hopelessness, feeling disconnected, mood swings, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
Fees
$100
First Session
$125
Family Therapy
$125
Couples Therapy
$100
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Licensure
NM, LPCC, CCMH0103271
NY, LMHC, 009147
Education
MS Clinical Psychology Benedictine University
MA Pastoral Studies Aquinas Institute
Work History
I have been practicing as an independently licensed therapist for over 15 years. Have a great diversity of experience with a wide range of clinical issues which I have gained through working in community mental health and residential treatment centers. I have worked treating depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse and chronic mental health issues such as schizophrenia.
Location
Remote Therapy - serving the greater New Mexico and New York areas, NM