A little bit about me... I graduated with my Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University in 2014. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, and I am also a Qualified Supervisor for registered counselor interns. I am a Certified Correctional Healthcare Professional, and I hold certifications in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness.
I currently work as a Licensed Mental Health Specialty Coordinator within the county jail system. My background is primarily working with adult offenders in a correctional setting. I have worked with a wide range of issues including suicidality, self-harm, psychosis, conflict and anger, depression and anxiety, homelessness, substance abuse, trauma, and personality disorders. I also perform risk assessments to determine if criteria is met for involuntary psychiatric treatment.
My professional approach to working with patients includes motivational interviewing to develop rapport, DBT, mindfulness, grounding techniques for patients experiencing acute distress, and CBT to help patients identify triggers and develop more appropriate coping skills to manage depression and anxiety. Working in a jail setting also allows me an opportunity to provide conflict-resolution and anger management counseling, and medication-education for patients who present with psychosis.
My personal approach in working with patients is to demonstrate empathy and compassion, and to provide a safe environment for sharing without judgment. I believe in ethical standards and setting healthy boundaries. I prefer client-centered therapy that allows patients to navigate therapy at their own pace while I assist in connecting the dots between past experiences and current behaviors. I am also fond of existential approaches... setting goals and developing a road map for a healthy and happy future. Everyone has a purpose :)
One of my favorite quotes is, "Feel the fear and do it anyway." Congrats to you for taking this difficult first step in your self care. If you feel we would make a good team, I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Grief, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Antisocial Personality, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Mood disorders , Panic disorder and panic attacks, Paranoia, Personality Disorders, Self-Harm, Social anxiety and phobia
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
FL LMHC MH14938