Education, Credentials and Experience
I am a Licensed Mental Health Clinician and I earned my Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Southeastern University, and my undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida. I have worked as a clinician for the past five years and have experience working in private practice, with adults in substance use treatment programs as well as teenage boys who have committed sexual offenses.
I believe that people have the capacity to grow and develop as they heal from the wounds they have experienced in the near and distant past. As a counselor I have been trained to help facilitate that process by empowering you to face your past and embrace the challenges of the future. I don’t believe in getting or staying stuck with clients. If, during our therapeutic relationship, either of us feels that you are not making progress or that the process we are engaged in is not helpful, I will be glad to direct you to other resources and/or professionals who may be better able to assist you on your journey to wholeness.
As a client, you have a vital role in the therapeutic relationship. It is important that you take an active role by working on assignments between sessions and avoiding the use of mind-altering substances such as alcohol or other drugs that might interfere with the effectiveness of your treatment. Certain types of therapy require abstinence which I will discuss with you more specifically if you choose that type of treatment.
Therapeutic Approach
My approach to counseling is relational and based on the work of Albert Ellis, Carl Rogers, Carl Jung and Person-Centered Therapy. I draw from several different therapeutic models including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Sometimes, there are traumas or tragedies that disrupt people’s ability to feel good about themselves and connect with the goodness around them. This imbalance can lead to depression, anxiety, addiction and/or other self-defeating behaviors. I will seek to understand your concerns and to help you find effective ways to cope with your problems. I am interested in integrating your spiritual values and beliefs into the counseling process to the extent that you desire. Helping you find balance in mind, body, spirit and community is one of the best ways to restore your health and well-being.
It is important to realize that your active involvement in the counseling process will be the most influential contribution to your success. Your input is essential in establishing treatment goals, risks and benefits of change, the time commitment involved, and other pertinent aspects of your situation. Periodically, we will evaluate your progress and, if necessary, re-design your treatment plan, goals, and/or methods.
Additional areas of focus: Attachment issues, Communication problems, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Men's issues, Mood disorders , Self-love, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues
FL LMHC MH21553