My Approach to Helping
Are you finding yourself worrying a little more than normal, sometimes even to the point where you maybe start to feel tightness in your chest, or you start to breathe a little faster? Do you have certain thoughts that you can't get out of your head that cause you to feel depressed or anxious? Or are you and your partner looking to strengthen or repair your relationship?
I am here to walk alongside you on your journey to living a successful, well-balanced life. One that includes freedom from the grips of worry andor sadness and a relationship that is strengthened and on track!
I wholly believe that you have what it takes to overcome whatever problem that you are facing! It's just that there will be times where you need to receive education or learn new ways to deal with what you are going through. I am here to provide the tools and a trusting relationship that will support you in reaching your goals whether it be in the office or via online video counseling (HIPAA compliant telehealth services)!
More Info About My Practice
I am a Doctor of Ministry Candidate at South University and am seeking new clients for my pastoral counseling practicum.
I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor and Certified EMDR Therapist who attained a Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2002 from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Master’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Counseling in 2005 from Argosy University.
I am a compassionate and experienced therapist, coach, and motivator dedicated to helping individuals and couples achieve their full potential. With over 18 years in the field, I specialize in addressing anxiety, stress, and trauma through evidence-based approaches such as EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness.
As a Doctor of Ministry candidate, I am committed to integrating my faith with my therapeutic practice. I believe in creating a safe and nurturing environment where clients can explore their challenges and start healing.
I am also a skilled couples and marriage counselor, certified in SYMBIS and Gottman Level 2 methods. I offer premarital counseling and work with couples to strengthen their relationships and overcome obstacles.
In addition to my clinical work, I am passionate about empowering others. I provide EMDR consultation, conduct workshops and trainings, and offer mentorship to help professionals in their journey.
I am currently accepting new clients for my practicum. I am eager to walk alongside you on your path to wholeness and success.
My Therapy Focus
My primary focus for therapy is Cognitive Behavioral. In essence, we have thoughts that have an effect on how we feel and react to situations that happen in our lives. You may have thoughts going through your mind non-stop consisting of, "I will never succeed at this business," "I'm not a good mom," "I'm never going to lose this weight," or "this anxiety andor depression is going to last forever, " "this relationship is never going to work out." Most likely these negative thoughts cause you to have negative feelings; maybe ones of sadness, worry, frustration that lead to you losing motivation to do the things that used to bring you joy.
Within the context of therapy, you will learn how to shift your mindset about life's circumstances and situations, so that you can enjoy more positive feelings, which will help you to move towards living a successful, well-balanced life!
You will learn how to do this by learning various skills including, but not limited to relaxation, mindfulness, shifting your cognitions, and learning how to identify and regulate your emotions.
I typically give between-session practice assignments because the goal is for you to build your toolbox in a way that you will not need therapy long-term, but will instead be able to learn how to effectively cope with problems that come your way!
Additionally
Why Going to Therapy Does Not Mean You are Weak or Flawed
Going to therapy, by no means makes you weak. Instead it means that you are strong, courageous and determined to make some positive changes in your life!
Each time you give thought about going to therapy, you may have a small voice telling you reasons why you shouldn't. For example: "What will your friendsfamily say?" "You don't need anyone to help you." "You have plenty of friends you can talk to, " or "You don't have time to go to therapy."
The truth is that you are NOT alone. Approximately 40 million American adults have and anxiety disorder and approximately 14.8 million American adults are affected by major depressive disorder, according to the NIMH. There's a chance that the very people who you are afraid of finding out, may be struggling themselves; whether it be with anxiety, depression or marriage or relationship issues.
Though you may have plenty of friends who you can talk to and who are genuine and helpful, they may not be equipped with evidence-based practices to help you cope with and reduce your anxiety and depression symptoms or give you tools for repairing andor strengthening your marriage or relationship.
In speaking to that last voice that you may hear; if in-office counseling is not a good fit because of your busy lifestyle, then online video counseling may be a better fit for you. It gives you the opportunity to receive help from the comfort of your own location!
