My Approach to Helping
I am a doctoral level, licensed clinical psychologist. My clinical practice, located in Norfolk, Virginia. My expertise is in the areas of psychological evaluations and therapeutic techniques.
For psychological evaluations, I utilize various testing measures to assess the specific mental health area(s) required for individual clients. This can include assessment for IQ, psychoticism, trauma, ADHD, mood disorders, personality, memory, achievement, adaptive functioning, etc. All testing is followed by a professional, diagnostic report.
For therapy, I conduct individual therapy only. I see adults of any age and children over the age of ten. However, when a child is the client, parents will be included in occasional sessions to ensure that the therapeutic practices are generalized to the home environment. My therapeutic specialties include all mood disorders, at-risk youth and psychoticism. I am a Christian and welcome the opportunity to discuss spiritual matters with my clients. However, this is based only on the comfort level of the client.
More Info About My Practice
My education is as follows:
Ph.D. in Clinical and School Psychology from Hofstra University, N.Y., 2011
M.A. in Psychology from Hofstra University, N.Y., 2007
M.S. in Education from University of Rochester, N.Y., 2006
B.A. in Psychology and English (double major) from Covenant College, G.A., 2004
I have worked as a psychology professor for five different colleges or universities. I have worked as a therapist and a mental health diagnostician for several years. I have a wealth of knowledge pertaining to psychology, therapy and mental health. In addition, I believe in continuing to educate myself.
What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist
I am a Christian and my life is guided by my relationship with Christ. I love being a therapist because I know that I am helping God's children in the manner that He has ordained for me. I care about my clients, I pray for all of my clients and I pray with my clients that are open to this. I have clients that do not share my faith or who do not have any spiritual beliefs, and I respect their views. Regardless to a client's religious orientation, I see all clients as a person that God wants me to help, to assist in their healing and to provide an emotional outlet. Because I recognize that this is my job, given to me by God, I take my job very seriously and carry it out to the very best of my ability.
Had a Negative Therapy Experience?
You may have heard a friend or family member speak about a negative experience in therapy. Perhaps it were you that had this less-than-ideal therapeutic experience. I wish I could say that this never happens, but sadly it does. However, I say to anyone who has had such an experience: do not judge all therapists based upon one. You are always free to try a different therapist. It is important to remember that therapists are people too. If you do not 'click' with a therapist after two or three sessions, then that likely is not the therapist for you. Take note of what you did not like about your prior therapist and discuss this with your new therapist, to ensure that you receive the therapeutic encounter that works best for you.
