I have a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). I have been a practicing Social Worker since 1973. and have worked in various fields over the years; Welfare, Substance Abuse, Clinical settings, and even in prisons. I have developed clinical programs, have been a fund raiser and a Community Liaison. Over the past 8 years, I have been in Private Practice. I live in the Greater Grand Rapids area where I have resided since 1984.
My approach to therapy is based on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, REBT. Our actions and feelings are based on our thoughts about ourselves and situations. As an example, people don't make us angry or sad or hurt. We make ourselves feel this way because of what we are thinking about the situation. I work with people's thoughts and help them identify negative thoughts. These negative thoughts can be challenged and changed. This is effective in reducing anxiety, depression, and fear. It is a very interactive approach and one that produces results. I also use humor as a therapy technique. If we cannot laugh at situations or even ourselves, then we are overcome by sadness and depression.
These techniques are suitable for many different issues and problems. They are designed to be short term treatments. The usual length of therapy is 3 to 12 months. Rarely does therapy go beyond a year.
I prefer to talk clients via telephone or televideo. These are, in my opinion, more effective than email responses. I will do email, but I would prefer not to do therapy this way. Just thought you should know.
My sessions are sometimes serious and sometimes fun. I look forward to working with you.
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Dependent Personality, Divorce and separation, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Family Problems, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Military and Veterans Issues, Mood disorders , Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia
Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy
MI LMSW 6801016132