What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
My path of becoming a therapist began 19 years ago as a Social Worker. My experience includes but is not limited to state and federal agencies; judicial systems, family court, child protection services, state psychiatric hospitals. In addition, I have utilized my skill sets in federal agencies by assisting military service men and women, veterans and their families with medical, mental health issues or complexed psycho social circumstances. These work experiences led to me wanting to provide help, guidance and treatment to clients in my own therapeutic practice.
In what ways do your life philosophy and treatment philosophy overlap?
My life's philosophy of striving forward, accomplishing and achieving; tends to overlap with my therapy in several ways. My approach with my client is understanding where the client is; understanding not only where the client has been in terms of life experience and also where the client is seeking to go with their dreams and goals. I will assist my client in overcoming barriers to accomplish what the client set out to achieve.
What does a first session with you look like?
A first session with me will be information sharing and understanding the reason why you decided to explore if therapy is right for you. We will review needs and expectations. We can clarify goals, complete an initial evaluation and then decide if we will move forward with engaging in therapy sessions. Next we can select dates and times for future therapy appointments.
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.
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.
Adoption & foster care
Adoption and foster care considerations include education on the process, integrating the new family, establishing household rules and boundaries, processing past trauma on behalf of the child, emotional health, and other adjustment procedures.
Life coaching
Process designed to equip people with tools, motivation, and inspiration necessary to make positive change and maximize personal and professional potential. Life coaches are generally helpful during life transitions or for goal setting and completion.
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.
Relationship Issues
Refers relationship issues with a partner or spouse. Can include issues related to relationship distress, relationship satisfaction, communication, intimacy, etc.
Loss/Grief
Grief is a reaction to an emotionally significant loss and often comes with symptoms of depression or anxiety. These symptoms can remain intense and last for a long time after a loss, making it difficult to move forward with a healthy lifestyle.
Race & Cultural Identity
Challenges around race and cultural identity vary enormously, including issues related to discrimination, racism, and intergenerational trauma.
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.
Fees
$150
First Session
$150
Family Therapy
$150
Couples Therapy
$150
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Adolescents (13-17)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Animal-Assisted Therapy
Coaching
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Reality Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Structural Family Therapy
Training / Certifications
Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work, BCD
Certified Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology (CSW-G
Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C- SWHC)
Certified Advanced Social Worker Case Manager (C-ASWCM)
Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICAADC)-
Certificate in Social Work Clinical Supervision
Certificate in Black Family Studies
Certificate in Children and Family Studies
Board Certified Tele Practice Specialist
Licensure
NC, LCSW, C007842
CT, LCSW, 8298
Education
Masters of Social Work, University of Connecticut
Bachelor of Science, Human Development and Family Relations, University of Connecticut
Work History
I am dual licensed as a Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Addictions Specialist. I have over 17 years of Social Work experience and 11 years of Clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults and senior/elderly populations. I have expertise with foster care system, judicial, veterans and a vast range of supportive government and community resources.
Location
Telehealth, New Haven, 06519, CT