I am of the belief that every individual is doing the best he or she can at any given moment, in any given situation. I am of the belief that each one of us already holds in our possession the answers to our problems and the tools that we need to create the kind of life we want.
I am dedicated to providing all people, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or national origin, with a service involving application of clinical counseling principles, methods, or procedures for the purpose of achieving social, personal, career and emotional development. My goal is to promote and enhance healthy, self-actualizing, and satisfying lifestyles. I agree to respect the rights of those persons seeking my assistance, and make reasonable efforts to ensure that my services are used.
Counseling is a process by which we work together to identify and work on any issues you bring to our sessions. My approach to counseling involves helping you to identify strengths within yourself and develop self-awareness. My therapeutic approach is eclectic typically blending “Adlerian Therapy” developed by Alfred Adler, “Cognitive
Therapy” developed by Aaron Beck, “Reality Therapy” developed by William Glasser, and “Strategic Family
Therapy” developed by Jay Haley. I also may use some expressive arts techniques such as writing, clay, music, or
art during our sessions. These therapies are well established, researched, and respected within the profession.
The counseling theory or model we use needs to be acceptable to you. One of the important steps in counseling is establishing your goals for counseling. Along with your goals, the counseling plan will include the methods for achieving your goals, risks and benefits of treatments, the approximate time commitment involved, costs and other aspects of your particular situation. Counseling includes your active involvement as well as efforts to change your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. You will have to work both in and out of the counseling sessions. There are no instant, painless, or passive cures. Instead there will be homework assignments, exercises, writing and journals, and perhaps other projects. Most likely, you will have to work on relationships and make long-term efforts. Sometimes change will be easy and swift, but more often it will be slow and deliberate; effort may need to be repeated. As with any powerful intervention, there are both benefits and risks associated with counseling and therapy. Risks might include experiencing uncomfortable levels of feelings like sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger or frustration, or having difficulties with other people. Some changes may lead to what seems to be worsening circumstances or even losses (for example, counseling will not necessarily keep a marriage from dissolution). I will enter our relationship with optimism and an eagerness to work with you. I have a special interest in helping adults and adolescents with personal growth, substance abuse, and family issues. I also have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with mood disorders and behavioral issues. I voluntarily participate in peer supervision to ensure best practice techniques. Any cases reviewed in such supervision are kept confidential by changing names and any other identifying information.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Blended Family Issues, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Commitment Issues, Emptiness, Family Problems, Fatherhood Issues, Forgiveness, Infidelity, Jealousy, Life purpose, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Self-love, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing
NC LCMHC 10292