In what ways do your life philosophy and treatment philosophy overlap?
I've always believed that every human being has the power within to heal themselves, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. The body is an amazing organism. The modalities that I prefer are in sync with this philosophy. What an amazing adventure for both me as the therapist and my clients when they find the light on the path to wholeness and wellness! When it's obvious that a "light bulb" moment has been had, the joy experienced within the therapeutic relationship is priceless!
If you could pick one movie or book that influenced your approach to therapy, what would it be and why?
I have always been a C.S. Lewis fan and grew up watching the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Narnia and Aslan were, and still are, a fantastical place and person in my mind! I love how Lewis used his imagination to write the allegory, The Chronicles of Narnia. I remember being so excited when the tale finally made its way to the big screen in 2005. I distinctly remember there was a part in the movie where Edmund had rejoined Peter, Susan and Lucy after colluding with the White Witch. Aslan had a conversation with him. Viewers of the movie were not privy to the conversation. Aslan returned from his talk with Edmund and addressed Peter and his sisters. He said to them, "What's done is done, there is no need to speak to Edmund of what is past." All too often that's where so many of us got stuck! What is past. We can't do anything about what may have been done to us in the past, but we can do something about how we treat ourselves in the present.
Are there any recurring themes or issues you’ve noticed as you treat people in your area of specialization, and how has this insight guided your approach?
I've worked for many years, beginning with my career as a probation officer, with persons living with addictions. What I've discovered from then until now, is that many have suffered some type of traumatic event in their formative years. Often times when we think of trauma, we think of something catastrophic such as physical or sexual abuse. To a child, trauma can occur when mom or dad fails to show for that all important ball game or play performance. Trauma diminishes one's sense of self and well being. Because many of our journeys began with a "traumatic event" that led us down a destructive path, my approach has been to guide my clients gently into discovering those errant thoughts and subsequent beliefs that were formed as a result of the event(s) that occurred in their lives. My service to my clients is to help them find the sweetness in life by recognizing and staying in the present.
Specialties
Drug addiction & abuse
Dependence on particular substance or inability to control impulses in relation to drug or alcohol use. Withdrawal symptoms commonly experienced in absence of the substance.
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.
Spirituality & religion based issues
Spirituality and religion, to a great extent, shape our moral principles, beliefs, and values. They have a role in shaping our behavior and in our relationships. Issues may include questioning one’s faith, loss of faith, struggling to find meaning, and living a life incongruent with one’s belief.
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.
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.
Careers
Designed to help people choose, change, or leave a career at any stage of life. Careers are often wrapped up in people’s perceived identity, therefore, any change can cause anxiety and/or depression.
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.
Fees
$125
First Session
$75
Group Therapy
$90
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Group Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Internal Family Systems Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
Person-Centered Therapy
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Pastoral & Faith Based Counseling
Training / Certifications
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor- CRCC
National Certified Counselor- NCC
Crisis Counselor Training
Basic Life Support (BLS) provider
Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, CCMHCE
Licensure
FL, LMHC, MH18863
Education
MS, Clinical Rehabilitative Mental Health Counseling with Specialization in Addictions and Alcoholism, Thomas University
MPA, Public Administration with Concentration in Not-For-Profit Management, Troy University
Work History
I've worked in the people industry for approximately 30 years. I started my service to others working as a probation officer for the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC). I soon realized that many of my clients behaviors, though attempted at being corrected punitively, continued in spite of negative consequences. Being tired of the merry-go-round attempt at helping y probationers maintain and sustain lasting change. I knew that understanding the "why" behind behavior was something I wanted to pursue. After obtaining the necessary credentials, I began working as Counselor with GDC. I then moved on to Vocational Rehabilitation to develop my counseling skills working with persons living with disabilities. I currently work in behavioral health with those persons living with substance abuse and other co-occurring mental health disorders.
Location
281 HARRELL MILL RD, CLIMAX, 39834, GA