How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
I typically discuss therapy goals with my clients during the second session. This is a collaborative process that starts with me asking clients a series of questions to assist them with clearly identifying the scope/areas of focus during our time together. Lastly, goals are written, reviewed, and agreed upon.
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
For individuals who might be hesitant about starting therapy, I would encourage them to view therapy as an long-term investment in their emotional and mental well-being. Secondly, I would let them know that they play a key role in determining/driving the the flow and pace of treatment. I would also say, talk to others who've benefited from participating in therapy because they may be able to dispel some of the myths and unhelpful beliefs about the therapeutic process.
What do you view as a key component of the therapeutic relationship?
Treating clients with dignity and respect is one of the key elements I demonstrate when building a therapeutic relationship and trust with my clients. I believe the saying, people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care; " therefore, I strive to create a therapeutic environment where people feel safe and comfortable enough to share so they can do the work necessary to produce desired changes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Adolescent mental health
Adolescent mental health focuses on adolescent-specific experiences including physical and cognitive development, social and environmental factors, sex, sexual identification and orientation, emotional processing, and substance use. Given the influence that parents/guardians have on adolescents, home life is a particularly important consideration.
Fees
$130
First Session
$110
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Children (5-12)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Mindfulness Practices
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Training / Certifications
TF-CBT
EMDR trained
Licensure
NC, LCMHC, 12173
Education
Master of Arts In Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Regent University
Work History
I have a passion for working with adults, children, and families. My work experience encompasses community, residential, military, and private practice settings. As a therapist, I come alongside clients to assist them in navigating life's challenges; it is my desire for each client to obtain wholeness to increase their quality of life. I am trained in EMDR and rostered in TF-CBT, two approaches that help individuals heal from trauma and past painful experiences.
Location
921 Town Centre Blvd #1043, Clayton, 27520, NC