In what ways do your life philosophy and treatment philosophy overlap?
I like to draw parallels and believe that everything in this world is interconnected. As a problem solver and truth seeker, I naturally pay close attention to how everything relates and interplays. I have always had a deep-seated desire to understand, feel, and know more. While constantly reflecting on everything that is happening around me, I have been able to achieve a much deeper understanding of myself and the world around me. That is precisely how I work with my clients. I am genuinely curious to understand my clients’ issues and help them solve their problems by helping them recognize what brought them to where they are at this point in their lives. I never limit myself to one approach or theory when working with people. I strive to recognize my clients’ needs, skills, and abilities and use this information to help them develop greater self-knowledge and self-awareness.
What does success look like in therapy? How will a client know that they are making progress?
Success in therapy may differ depending on the presenting issues and overall goals. Some clients may gain hope, insight, or mental clarity on the problem they are dealing with. Others may finally feel heard and validated for the first time in their lives, and that in itself can be a major success. While many factors can contribute to progress in therapy, such as clients’ motivation and commitment to change, the number one determining factor is the relationship between the client and the therapist. When clients feel comfortable and are willing to open up and explore their issues with their therapist, success becomes a matter of time.
What’s the most profound, insightful, or interesting thing you’ve learned as a mental health professional?
The most insightful thing that I have learned as a mental health professional is how truly complex and fascinating the human brain is. It can always find a way to keep us safe and ensure we survive by twisting our perception, justifying our behavior, or rationalizing our emotions. Understanding the adaptive ability of the brain and the main functions of the nervous system is crucial in working on unraveling clients’ issues. Whether they want to find happiness in life or develop meaningful relationships with others, becoming more in touch with the mind and body is essential.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by persistent instability in relationships, extreme emotional reactions, and chronic fear of abandonment. People with this may also tend to be moody, experiencing a lot of high highs and low lows.
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.
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.
Fees
$120
Couples Therapy
$100
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Strength Based Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Imago Relationship Therapy
Integrative Therapy
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Person-Centered Therapy
Positive Psychology
Psychodynamic Therapy
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
Transpersonal Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Training / Certifications
National Board for Certified Counselors
Licensure
MI, Limited Licensed Professional Counselor, 6451019713
Education
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Eastern Michigan University
Work History
I have worked in the service industry for nearly 20 years. Working with people has always brought me lots of joy and satisfaction, yet it was not always clear that I wanted to become a psychotherapist. When I lived in the Middle East, I spent years working with people visiting from all over the world. Not only has it expanded my worldview and understanding of different cultures, but it also helped me realize that I love listening to people and learning about their life stories. This realization inspired me to go to college and obtain an education in psychology and mental health counseling. In my practice, I draw on both theoretical perspectives and my past experiences living and working in different countries. I commit to continuous personal and professional development by regularly attending educational webinars, workshops, and meetings with other professionals in the field of mental health.
Location
2035 Hogback Rd. , Suite #208, Ann Arbor, 48105, MI