What do you view as a key component of the therapeutic relationship?
Trust is one of the most essential components of the therapeutic relationship. Trust is built when clients feel seen, heard, and cared for by their therapist. A trusting relationship allows clients to open up and share deeply, as well as gain powerful insights that allow for progress and growth.
What would be important for someone to know about working with you?
My personality and style exude empathy, warmth, and compassion, which allow me to build an open and trusting relationship with my clients. I have personally navigated many challenging life circumstances and utilized various healing methods on my healing journey. I am a problem solver and helper by nature, and I use all the resources and skills I have to help my clients with their presenting needs. As a social worker, I am part therapist, resource specialist, advocate, educator, and care coordinator. I have studied and experienced multiple healing modalities and strongly believe in attending to the whole person. Together with my clients, we create a holistic care plan that addresses physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual levels. I deeply care for my clients and am very dedicated to their well-being. I rejoice in watching them build on their strengths to manage better whatever challenges they may face.
What are some the unique issues faced by clients in your particular field of specialization, in terms of mental health education, care, and/or treatment?
Most of my clinical experience has been in the field of cancer care, where I have accompanied cancer survivors and their loved ones through the many challenges they face. Often a cancer diagnosis brings a flood of emotions such as shock and disbelief, fear, sadness, anger, and frustration. In facing one's own mortality, it can call into question how and with whom people wish to spend their precious time. It can also be a time where loss is experienced on many levels. Cancer survivors and their caregivers often come to their diagnosis with existing problems and may already be carrying a heavy load of stress in several areas of their lives. Navigating cancer care can be a full-time job that must be added to an already full plate. My role in accompanying people through medical challenges is varied, and I draw upon all the skills that I have to meet my clients wherever they are and to address their needs as they arise. I function as a therapist, helping them navigate the mental, emotional, and spiritual upheaval that can accompany a diagnosis. I also assist in navigating the many facets of the health care system and connect them with much-needed resources.
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.
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.
Caregiver stress & support
Caring for a friend or family member (paid or unpaid) includes emotional support, housework, help with finances, medication management, and shopping. Can be stressful, making caregivers more vulnerable to things like anxiety, isolation, and fatigue.
Chronic illness
Persisting health conditions causing significant barriers to daily functioning as well as discrepancies in how society responds to disabilities. Can impact people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and lead to feelings of isolation, uncertainty, and helplessness.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In-Network Insurance
Aetna
All Savers Insurance
Cigna
Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare
Nippon Life Insurance Company of America
Optum
Oscar Health
Oxford Health Plans
United Healthcare
United Medical Resources
Fees
$100
First Session
$100
Individual Therapy
Types of Therapy
Individual Session
Clientele
Young Adults (18-24)
Adults (25-65)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment Approaches / Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Practices
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Eclectic Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Integrative Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy
Training / Certifications
LCSW - 25 years with emphasis in medical social work and cancer care
Licensure
FL, LCSW, SW 18037
CA, LCSW, 18104
Education
Master of Social Work, California State University, Sacramento
Work History
I developed my expertise in the medical field over the last 29 years working in various health care settings, including hospitals, hospices, oncology, and integrative medical clinics. I have assisted thousands of clients in navigating multiple medical diagnoses, with an emphasis on cancer care. I have a keen awareness and understanding of the issues people face when coping with illness and have also developed specialties in caregiver support, grief and loss, and end-of-life issues. I have a strong interest and passion for integrative medicine and assist clients in exploring self-care practices utilizing various holistic healing modalities. I have extensive knowledge of the health care system and the various resources available to assist clients on their path. In addition, my years of experience have helped me gain expertise in working with anxiety and depression. I take an eclectic therapeutic approach to my work and tailor my work to the unique needs of my clients.
Location
Remote therapy, Sarasota, 34238, FL