How do you determine therapy goals with clients? What does that process look like?
Typically my first question is, "What would you like counseling to do for you?" I like to start with the end in mind so we can decide if we are on the right path or not. I give homework for in between sessions to help people practice skills and try new ways of thinking. During the entire process of meeting, we will re-evaluate whether or not there is any progression towards the overall goal(s). Sometimes we change the goal(s), or (many times) we flush out the goals to help us stay focus during the entire process.
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
I never wanted to be a therapist. I wanted simply to be a social worker who helped people. I wanted to teach people how to live life better by using some simple psychological tools. After I started at the EAP, I wrote many health and wellness newsletters and did many seminars. From that, many people sought my services as a therapist. And I discovered how much I enjoyed being a therapist, particularly the teaching aspect! It was my clients whom I helped that convinced me that doing counseling was my true calling.
If there was one thing you wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, what would that be?
Therapy is merely a conversation between two people. When I do in-person sessions, I typically offer coffee, tea or lemonade so people can get comfy quickly. I tend to be pretty non-judgmental but will give my honest opinion when asked. Most people will say that I care and often go the extra mile for people. I really try to make therapy easy, fun and practical. We laugh during my sessions, just because life is pretty awesome despite the many pitfalls we all face. My overall goal as a therapist is to make it so you don't need me in your life, but I will be available when needed.
Specialties
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.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Obsessive compulsive disorder entails a distressful pattern of recurrent thoughts and repetitive behaviors. Obsessions are oftentimes unreasonable thoughts and fears that plague one’s mind to the point of compensatory behavior. This occurs despite logically recognizing the problem. The cycle is seemingly endless and instils feelings of hopelessness/helplessness. Severity of the condition varies but tends to begin gradually, becoming more intense under stress.
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.
Step-family/Blended Family Issues
Step-family or blended family issues issues may include overcoming loss from a previous family situation, establishing a familial bond, setting boundaries, enforcing new rules, adjusting to relocation, learning to communicate in healthy fashion, finances, and household roles.
Marriage issues
Issues within a marriage. Can include issues related to trust, intimacy, communication, infidelity, parenting, or conflict. Can also include discussion related to separation or divorce.
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.
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.
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.
Fees
$120
First Session
$150
Family Therapy
$120
Couples Therapy
$120
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Family Session
Couples Session
Individual Session
Clientele
Parents
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Bibliotherapy
Coaching
Eclectic Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Licensure
WA, Licensed Indépendant Clinical Social Worker, 60803256
Education
M.Divinity/Spirituality, Loyola Institute of Pastoral Studies
MSW, occupational Social Work, University of IL, Chicago
Work History
I worked at an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) in rural IL. While there, we developed a hybrid EAP that included community mental health services. I specialized in helping people use vitamins, minerals and supplements rather than (or addition to) medications to help alleviate depression, anxiety and even schizophrenia. While there, I also did home health and hospice work. I eventually became a hospice chaplain where I enjoyed teaching people about the dying process. After that, I worked a few years in dialysis where I helped the chronically ill. Now I also work in a pilot project for L&I (WA's workman's comp program) where I help injured people cope with pain, the frustration of being injured and accepting their disability (if needed). Since I also suffer from PCS (Post Concussion Syndrome) and Crohn's, I specialize in helping people overcome the devastating effects of chronic illnesses, including coping with the sleeplessness, anxiety and mood swings.
Location
11324 School Land Rd SW, Rochester, 98579, WA