What It’s Like To Work With Me…
So, I know that you need to know something about me to decide whether or not I can help, and I'll get there, but I want to talk for just a second more about YOU...
You might feel like no one can understand what you're going through right now, the frustration, the sadness, the hurt, the loneliness. It's a hard place to be, and you'll never hear me say that it's easy OR that therapy is easy, but...
THIS IS WHO I AM…
My clients describe me as empathetic and warm. I always have a big smile when I see you in the waiting room. I like and enjoy the people who come into my office. I like to laugh with you, but I also DON’T mind talking about the hard and sad parts of life that brought you here in the first place.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER…
I believe one of the MOST important parts of therapy is the relationship between the therapist and the client. I make sure the environment feels safe for you. If you don’t feel safe, you won’t want to share. I wouldn’t either!
WHAT I’M LIKE IN THERAPY…
My approach is laid back. If you are looking for a drill sergeant or a teacher type to give you lots of homework, it’s probably best if you keep looking. I believe that ALL the situations you bring into the room ultimately tie into the root issues we’re working on. That doesn’t mean that I’m a quiet bobblehead though! I am actively involved in what you are saying and constantly thinking and asking questions, and I do give homework from time to time if I think it’s appropriate and helpful.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THERAPY WITH ME…
At first, I’ll ask you what your goals are. We will work together on a plan to reach those goals. I will want to hear all about your life past, present and what you want for the future. I am very interested in your relationships, because I believe those shape us more than we know. Each week I like to hear about the things that have gone on, and then we work to see how those tie into your overall goals. I always seek to build awareness because I believe we change through awareness.
WHAT I WANT YOU TO GAIN FROM THERAPY…
I mentioned awareness before, and it bears repeating. I firmly believe that the more you know about what’s going on in your mind and body, the more information you have to change what you want. That’s NOT to say we want to throw everything out. No way - we want to honor the ways you have made it through life up to this point. I want you to have the opportunity to tweak what you want, but first we have to understand what’s going on internally. Then we can make external changes. And you will be able to do ALL the things you want!
THE TECHNICAL STUFF…
I earned a BS in Psychology at Virginia Tech, in 2000. I have worked in the non-profit world with college students, peer mentoring, and coaching for over 15 years. I went back to school to earn a Master’s degree in Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Now, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
I have counseled in Florida Hospital working with a variety of people. I worked in a private practice of wonderful people in Winter Park called Renew Counseling. Now, I have a private practice in Lake Nona.
