My Approach to Helping
I have been working in the helping field related to counseling for almost 20 years. In that time I have learned that the best way to help others is to be an excellent listener, to be compassionate, empathetic, and to collaborate with individuals to assist them in gaining the tools that they need to make positive change in their lives. I work hard to encourage clients that the strength for change lies within them and my job is to help them find it. I utilize a great deal of mindfulness based techniques and believe that learning the process of becoming more mindful in life can be extremely beneficial to problem solving and learning to sit with discomfort. As a counselor I do not believe that I have all of the answers or can fix anyone, however, I do believe that if the client is willing to do the work to create change in their life that I can assist them in doing so successfully. Ultimately, my goal for the counseling relationship is to assist clients in managing stress more effectively and learning skills that can be used well after the counseling relationship has terminated, in a straightforward and honest approach.
More Info About My Practice
I offer 100% virtual counseling in the state of Virginia and Massachusetts.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
I have taken and continue to participate in training for many years now, as well as, led and co-led groups on Stress Management & Relaxation. I have found that a great deal of what helps individuals and even myself to manage stress more effectively is to learn how to recognize and healthfully sit with stress in our lives. Stress is a natural occurrence in our lives. We all experience good and bad stress. Educating individuals on how stress may be affecting their life on a daily basis, and then assisting those individuals with learning practical skills to alleviate stress even if they cannot change their current circumstances is very rewarding work.
On the Fence About Going to Therapy?
I'm always in awe of those who take the first step and decide to see a counselor. Though I am in the field and have been immersed in this life area for many years I still recognize the stigma around getting counseling. I hear what some who have had bad experiences or who have misconceptions have said about counseling, and those views definitely paint it in a very negative light. As someone who has been lucky enough to be involved in many people's lives over the years, I have to say I do not know one person who absolutely got nothing out of going to therapy. Making the choice to explore your difficulties and issues in a counseling setting can be a very empowering experience. There are so many counselors to choose from all with varying strategies and techniques that they use, the odds are with the client to find someone who will understand and be able to assist. If you've had a bad experience you may not have found the right counselor for you yet. If you never give it a try you will never know if some of your thoughts or fears about going to counseling are true. At the end of the day I encourage everyone no matter how big or small your problem may be to go to counseling at least once in your life and see for yourself what it is all about. If it goes well, you make a great therapeutic connection with your counselor, and learn some new tools then the risk will be worth it.
