My Approach to Helping
I want to first thank you for looking at my page here. I am excited for you, that you are taking this step of research to find counseling for either you or another. Taking this step can be mind-boggling, looking for the right therapist.
Working as a Mental Health Counselor for several years, I have come to believe that my purpose as a therapist, is to assist each individual in reaching their full potential in life, becoming who they were always meant to be. My personal approach to counseling is individualized for each person that I work with. This process entails building a therapeutic relationship which includes empathy, understanding, trust and encouragement. I believe that these traits are absolutely indispensable before any real work can be accomplished in therapy.
From there, the process includes getting down to the core difficulties you are experiencing in life, identifying the causes and then addressing these issues by setting up goals and then objectives and interventions to reach these goals. This may sound complicated, but it isn't. It is not easy. it is really just changing mindsets and moving forward with new thoughts, beliefs, and ideals that help you to get past difficulties. In other words, it is identifying, challenging and changing habitual thinking that tends to hold you back in life.
My theoretical approach is predominantly based on client-centered, solution-focused and cognitive behavioral therapy. I am also trained in Exposure Response Prevention, which is designed specifically to treat obsessive compulsive disorder. Although I tend to lean to these approaches, I do consider myself to be eclectic, meaning that I will draw from different therapeutic approaches as needed for each individual.
More Info About My Practice
Therapy sessions are offered in person, as well as via Telehealth (video and phone) for your convenience.
My regular business hours are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Understanding that most people work during weekday business hours, I also offer appointments during early mornings hours starting at 8:30 am and early evenings from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. I also will have available sessions on occasional Saturday mornings, so you don't have to worry about taking off work. When you call, we can discuss all these details, along with any other questions or concerns you may have. I am flexible.
At this time, I do accept some insurance. I am in the process of credentialing with multiple insurance companies. I can provide a diagnosis in order to provide the best treatment available, but it does not become a medical record, unless you want it to, or if we are billing the insurance company.
To schedule an appointment, I urge you to call me or email me in advance, so you can have a "free 15 minute phone consultation", where you can ask questions and have a better idea if my professional experience and approach to therapy will benefit you. I will always return your your phone call within a couple of hours. You can also visit my website, icsnefl.com to find out more about my services. I'd love to hear from you.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
I work with men and couples experiencing difficulties with addiction, depression, anxiety disorders and relationship issues.
As well as being a fully licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida, I also hold certifications as a Nationally Certified Counselor and as a Certified Master's Level Addictions Professional.
I have an extensive amount of experience providing therapy in different environments to individuals with a wide range of personal issues, including substance abuse, chemical dependency, obsessive compulsive disorder, behavior addictions, dual diagnosis, PTSD, unresolved trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, anger, self-esteem, grief, and family problems.
How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist
I believe that life experience is something that is a positive tool to include with therapy, and in some ways a necessary one. When a person has sought and achieved a "turn around" in their own life, they then have the ability to empathize, support and understand what someone is going through, that being anything between addiction, emotional disturbances, loss in life, transitional phases of life, etc.
I realize that each individual has their own ups and downs in life, some self-inflicted and some not. The important part is that each individual realize their potential and their own personal gifts, and then use them to help others.
This is exactly how I look at my own struggles in life. Other great people have been able to assist me in my own personal journey of mental, emotional and spiritual growth, now it is my opportunity to do the same.
Over the last 25 years, I have picked up my own set of tools that I use in my own life. That being said, I do not "push" my own beliefs on someone else. My journey has been a long slow process. I try to meet each individual exactly where they are, and I find that works fabulously.
In my experience as a therapist, I have also discovered that there is really nothing that contradicts psychological therapeutic techniques with religion, spirituality, faith or even 12 Step groups. I have assisted many individuals over the years insert certain aspects of these parts of their lives and will do the same with anyone that is interested.
This is a huge reason why I even began doing what I love doing as a profession. To have the privilege and ability to influence others and help them on their journey, that being spiritual, emotional, psychological, and physical, is the greatest gift I have been given in my life.
I do believe that without the life experience I have, I would not be anywhere near the person I am today or have the great possibilities that are present. My goal is to assist others on their own journey of healing, growing and gaining insight into their own life, so they can transform to the person they truly can be.
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.
