What am I like as a therapist?
My style of therapy is similar to how I am outside of the office. I use a relaxed, friendly, collaborative and flexible approach in my therapy practice.
My approach is human to human, not therapist to client.
Where does my passion come from?
My passion comes from my firm belief that everyone possesses the ability to find greater fulfillment/happiness in their life. I experienced this myself on my own personal journey with challenging life stressors, relationship sand parenting issues, big emotions, unhelpful coping strategies and negative self-talk. My life direction shifted after a career as a registered nurse and raising my three sons. I had a burning desire to somehow make a difference in the world where so many were struggling. I wanted to provide hope, support and guidance to others pursuing their own mental health journey. At the age of 50, I returned to school to receive a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and established my own practice... the rest is up to you!
Why hasn't therapy worked for you before?
It's possible that it was the wrong time, the wrong therapist or a combination of the two. Readiness, compatibility and availability are critical factors in getting the most out of anything we try to do. Developing self-awareness, managing emotions and gaining new skills is not different.
What can you expect from working with me?
You can expect respect, safety, and personal growth from the moment you enter my office. In spite of the fact that I am a therapist, I consider that our work together is based on a mutual understanding that we are both working toward the same goal. During each session we will identify, discuss and gain awareness of where your emotions, thoughts and behaviors are coming from. What they are trying to tell you. Increasing awareness allows you to recognize unhealthy coping strategies, beliefs and patterns in your life. It is my role to use all of this information to establish realistic attainable goals to shift things to a healthier place. Our work is always collaborative, meaning that the pace and direction is figured out at each session. I am committed to you leaving each session with a new way of thinking- feeling or behaving that can be put into practice between sessions. I am aware that life continues after the session is over. In order to be a support, I am available through text and phone for up to 10 minutes (without fee) to reinforce the areas we are working on together to reduce emotional reactivity and stress.
How long will this take?
Length of therapy varies greatly. I typically begin working with a client(s) once a week to get started. This allows a sense of connection and safety in the relationship to develop. Frequently we will move to every other week after the first month or so. Since every person's needs are individual the length of time to reach personal goals will vary as well.
How does change happen?
Change happens as we come to understand our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. It comes from understanding how our life experiences/life story has impacted the way we experience every day. Small shifts take place each and every session which add up to big changes over time. It is helpful to think of a therapy session as a classroom where you learn about yourself more and more each visit. The changes happen outside of session as you begin to put what you've learned into new ways of engaging in the world.
My style of therapy is similar to how I am outside of the office. I use a relaxed, friendly, collaborative and flexible approach in my therapy practice.
My approach is human to human, not therapist to client.
Where does my passion come from?
My passion comes from my firm belief that everyone possesses the ability to find greater fulfillment/happiness in their life. I experienced this myself on my own personal journey with challenging life stressors, relationship sand parenting issues, big emotions, unhelpful coping strategies and negative self-talk. My life direction shifted after a career as a registered nurse and raising my three sons. I had a burning desire to somehow make a difference in the world where so many were struggling. I wanted to provide hope, support and guidance to others pursuing their own mental health journey. At the age of 50, I returned to school to receive a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and established my own practice... the rest is up to you!
Why hasn't therapy worked for you before?
It's possible that it was the wrong time, the wrong therapist or a combination of the two. Readiness, compatibility and availability are critical factors in getting the most out of anything we try to do. Developing self-awareness, managing emotions and gaining new skills is not different.
What can you expect from working with me?
You can expect respect, safety, and personal growth from the moment you enter my office. In spite of the fact that I am a therapist, I consider that our work together is based on a mutual understanding that we are both working toward the same goal. During each session we will identify, discuss and gain awareness of where your emotions, thoughts and behaviors are coming from. What they are trying to tell you. Increasing awareness allows you to recognize unhealthy coping strategies, beliefs and patterns in your life. It is my role to use all of this information to establish realistic attainable goals to shift things to a healthier place. Our work is always collaborative, meaning that the pace and direction is figured out at each session. I am committed to you leaving each session with a new way of thinking- feeling or behaving that can be put into practice between sessions. I am aware that life continues after the session is over. In order to be a support, I am available through text and phone for up to 10 minutes (without fee) to reinforce the areas we are working on together to reduce emotional reactivity and stress.
How long will this take?
Length of therapy varies greatly. I typically begin working with a client(s) once a week to get started. This allows a sense of connection and safety in the relationship to develop. Frequently we will move to every other week after the first month or so. Since every person's needs are individual the length of time to reach personal goals will vary as well.
How does change happen?
Change happens as we come to understand our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. It comes from understanding how our life experiences/life story has impacted the way we experience every day. Small shifts take place each and every session which add up to big changes over time. It is helpful to think of a therapy session as a classroom where you learn about yourself more and more each visit. The changes happen outside of session as you begin to put what you've learned into new ways of engaging in the world.
