Hello!
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and an interfaith minister. I have a master's degree in ministry from Gordon-Conwell Seminary, a master's degree in counseling from Wilmington University where I presently teach as an adjunct, and a doctoral degree in ministry from Princeton Seminary.
I have counseled people my entire career but have more officially functioned as a "counselor" over the last 11 years. I thoroughly enjoy working with people and strongly believe that all of us have the capacity to change as long as we have the proper awareness, ability, attitude, and action! Awareness means the recognition that a problem or challenge exists. Ability means the mental, emotional, and spiritual capacity to make a change. Attitude means the motivation, the proper mental and emotional framework, to change. Action simply means putting behavior changes into play.
I strongly believe in the need to meet people from exactly where they are coming from and then collaborating with them so that together we can work on positive change. I employ a nonjudgmental, open, and supportive approach. I believe that all people are deserving of dignity and respect! My counseling style is best described as person-centered. I use cognitive behavioral therapy as well as motivational counseling.
My areas of interest include substance use disorders. I work with both persons with the disorder as well as persons living with someone who has that disorder. My full time employment currently includes working as a counselor in a treatment center. As such in addition to working with people in treatment, I frequently work with couples and families who struggle with this condition. I also regularly work with persons who have experienced abuse, trauma, depression, and anxiety. In addition I focus on motivation and self-esteem issues, relationship issues, life changes, and intimacy issues. I am very familiar with and believe in the value of mindfulness and meditation and teach same where I work on a regular basis. I regularly work with persons with struggle with grief-related issues. As a former Protestant minister and current interfaith minister I have a strong interest in the interplay between mental health and spirituality and observe that they are often intertwined for many persons. I also embrace the value of all world religions and frequently assist persons who engage in their own spiritual journey.
I commend your courage in seeking help. In my experience asking for help is often the first and hardest step. I look forward to working with you!
Additional areas of focus: Stress and anxiety, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy related issues, Parenting issues, Bipolar disorder, Depression