I am licensed in Alabama and have been since 1996 as an LGSW and since 1999 as an LCSW (24 years of professional work experience as an LCSW). I recently retired from 25 years with the State of Alabama doing work with foster children, parents at risk of losing their children, and with child abuse and neglect intake and crisis work.
Since retiring just over a year ago, I added ADHD Coach training as well. I have experience in helping clients with coping with life changes, ADHD coaching, & compassion fatigue and have some personal experience in Alanon and with being a family member of someone exhibiting Narcissistic behaviors. I also was diagnosed with ADHD at age 26 and have experienced roughly half my life on both sides of the diagnosis. I understand the experience of looking back and seeing how things could have been different if diagnosed sooner, while also learning (yes, still learning) acceptance and techniques to achieve things I didn't believe possible as a younger person.
I also am an avid art/crafter, a musician, and poet and love learning new languages (to keep the brain healthier). I strongly believe that any creative, intellectual (hobby) and/or recreational outlet is very important to our mental health. I believe that rekindling some such outlet or interest can build self-esteem which spills into other areas of our lives as well.
I am open to clients who seek a therapist who is aware of spirituality and mindfulness practices as important facets of life for some individuals. However, as an Episcopalian, I am not comfortable with engaging in the practice of "Christian-based" counseling in any restricting or conservative manner. I am also open and affirming of all humans, however they are made, however they present themselves, and to whom they are attracted. I do not have specialized LGBTQ+ therapeutic experience, but I welcome anyone who needs ADHD related counseling or any other areas with which I do have experience, regardless of how they identify.
I have recent experience in the past year working as a professional ADHD Coach with both college students with ADHD and women over 50 who also have ADHD, some in the workforce and some recently retired. I have also worked with parents of children with ADHD. While outside of Better Help, I do ADHD related Coaching, being an online therapist at Better Help is more in line with therapy instead of coaching. However, I still may incorporate some techniques used in both Coaching and Therapy, if that is relevant and agreed upon by myself and the client.
The goal for each individual client is to start making and meeting steps toward achieving their own goals. I am here to help guide them, but ultimately it is the client's goals and I look forward to seeing them embrace new ways of seeing themselves and their world and making the progress they want to see in their lives.
Ultimately, I seek to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Adoption and Foster Care, Caregiver Issues and Stress, Codependency, Divorce and Separation, Life Purpose, Midlife Crisis, Narcissism, Women's Issues, Workplace Issues
AL LICSW 1466C