My Approach to Helping
Thank you for considering me as your therapist. Like shopping for a car or purchasing a home, finding a therapist with whom you feel connected to is a meaningful decision. The best investment you can make is in yourself. This is meant to benefit you and your desire to have a better life with yourself or your partner. I work with individuals and couples on their journeys to living happier and more satisfying lives. Do you want to feel happy with life and relieved from stress? We can work on taking care of that so that vision of yours can become a reality. Your story and the quality of your life matters most to me!
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy, I focus on the relational aspect of people's lives and how those factors led to where you are currently in your life. Collaboration is key and we will discuss things every step of the way to identify what can work for you along with what fits your natural personality. I may be an expert on the process, but you are an expert at your life. We can do this together!!
More Info About My Practice
You know those stereotypical therapy scenes in TV and movies? Nope not here! I provide casual and fluid interactions with my clients to help put them at ease so that it feels like we are discussing concerning topics as you would with a trusted friend without the fear of bias or judgment. We move at a pace that is comfortable to you and collaboration on your therapeutic goals are important so that you feel like your values and opinions are heard and integrated into your treatment.
If you have Aetna or Cigna insurance, please click the My Website link to book an appointment.
If you have Highmark, Optum or IBX insurance, please click the Book Now link to schedule an appointment.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
If you have struggles in your relationship, I can provide support to you and your partner with effective communication strategies to reduce the frequency and intensity of the conflicts that led you to therapy.
If you have struggles with depressive symptoms, I can help you figure out ways to get more energy and have more fulfillment in your life.
If you have struggles with anxiety symptoms, I can help you feel more empowered over that helpless state that you find yourself in that leads to you feeling tempted to avoid uncomfortable situations.
If you are unsure of your path in life, I can help you craft a vision of your future that can be achieved with a detailed plan of how to get there.
My View on the Purpose of Psychotherapy
The purpose of therapy is to help you achieve the vision that you have for your life andor relationship and identify what challenges get in your way. We all need help and proper support to manage the level of stress that life gives us. Therapy can be one of many tools to use to build your ideal life.
My Role as a Therapist
My role in this process is to actively listen to your concerns, provide psychoeducation, review options that are available to you and encourage you to follow what is the best direction to go.
Had a Negative Therapy Experience?
If this applies to you, I am genuinely sorry that this has been your experience. I inquire about these experiences so that I can provide reassurance that my aim is to make this process feel safe and secure. At the end of my sessions, I will ask you how the session went and I encourage honesty so that you receive what you are looking to get out of our time together.
How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist
When I was in middle school, I retreated into my internal world intensely and lost out on many potential connections with other people. While it is common for people to transfer schools to a different county or state, I took it hard being the "new kid on the block". I later learned in life that it was probably a form of self-protection from navigating the newness of it all and finding my place. I also had a physical limitation that I was self-conscious of and wanted to limit being exposed. I spent this time being curious about how people interact with each other and become comfortable with being on the outside but secretly missed being included.
I use these memories and experiences to remind myself that it is important to accept people for being human (does not mean that certain behaviors are okay) and listen openly to their life's story. Making my clients feel like they are part of a team is a must for me. Like everyone else, there is always more to learn and we are all a work in progress. I have learned a lot with exploring how the internal world works so let me help guide you through yours.
Why Going to Therapy Does Not Mean You are Weak or Flawed
Looking for support and guidance does not mean that you are "weak" or "flawed" (whatever that means). It is totally fine and even encouraged to seek out resources and therapeutic services so that you can work towards having a more satisfying life. There is nothing wrong with you; life has just been overwhelming and you would like someone on your side. The best investment that you can make is in yourself and therapy is a start.
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.
