What do you view as a key component of the therapeutic relationship?
I strongly believe that the relationship itself is the most important part of the clinical connection that client and therapist have. A trusting, honest and genuine relationship in and of itself is healing. Without trust and compassion, it's hard to engage in learning and practicing therapeutic skills. Therefore I strive to build a healthy relationship with all my clients as a core foundation to treatment.
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?
Humans have a natural desire to connect and feel belongings.... So much of the healing and the pain I see in clients comes from issues related to relationships and lack of relationships. Due to this, I strive to provide an honest and compassionate clinical relationship for my clients. One that is non-judgmental and safe. I provide an eclectic approach to therapy but most of my training is in working with belief systems. I feel that what we believe and how we perceive the world and our place in it as much to do with our own joy and sadness. I try to work with my clients to adjust their thinking and find the origins of the beliefs that hinder their ability to have a joyful life.
In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?
I believe that much of my personality comes out in my approach to working with clients. I am a genuinely down to earth person who appreciates the fact we all go through ups and downs in life. I am also someone who isn't afraid to laugh at myself or see myself as a work in progress. When working with clients, I try to use compassion, humor (when appropriate) and skill all while being myself.
Specialties
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.
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.
Parenting issues
Parenting issues involve those associated with the child-rearing process. These may include safety, discipline, nutrition, finances, childcare, school, household rules, chores, daily routines, social activities, and relationships with extended family members. Because child-rearing practices vary by culture, cultural norms must be considered.
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.
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.
Family issues
Familial relationships can be the source of stress and emotional pain, even in the healthiest of situations. Painful interactions can range from irritation to resentment and lead to feelings of guilt, disappointment, and anger.
Fees
$125
First Session
$125
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Humanistic Therapy
Relational Therapy
Training / Certifications
Alcohol and Drug Counselor, IC&RC
Nationally Certified Counselor, NBCC
EMDR, EMDR Institute (In training)
Licensure
VA, LPC, 0701009986
Education
Bachelors in Communications, Davis and Elkins College
Masters in Mental Health Counseling, Southwestern College
Work History
Throughout my career as a therapist, I have had the opportunity to work in a number of unique settings. I spend six years working as the assistant clinical director for a therapeutic boarding school treating teenagers and their families. I additionally worked with teens in a wilderness therapy program. Most recently, I have been working in the private practice setting with adults, teens and families.
Location
2603 Lafayette Ave, Richmond, 25832, VA