Adolescents: When working with adolescents I use talk therapy, art therapy, and other forms of expression that have meaning to the individual. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness we work on changing negative, destructive thought patterns that influence our happiness. I teach relaxation and meditation techniques as a tool for decreasing stress and anxiety. Having counseled adolescents in recent years in the schools, I have a strong understanding of the issues they currently face. I can also help clients and parents navigate the sometimes confusing topics such as 504 plans, IEP's and who at your child's school to contact for what service. I relate well to adolescents and they therefore feel a trusting, open client/counselor bond with me. Some issues adolescents may be struggling with are anxiety, depression, self harm, grief and loss, obsessive compulsive disorder, conflicts with teachers, peers, and parents, academic issues, and low self-esteem.
Adults: My first priority is to put new clients at ease and it does not take us long to establish a level of comfort and trust. As a counselor, I am an active, non-judgmental listener. I support individuals through the healing process of loss, help clients decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and make positive, healthy changes in their lives and relationships. I have found Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness to be the most effective theories to use with adult clients. We work on changing negative, destructive thought patterns and focus on how messages about ourselves and life greatly influence our happiness. I teach and guide clients through relaxation/meditation techniques to decrease stress and to practice staying in the present moment. We may start or end a session with a relaxation technique when the client and I feel it could be beneficial.
Groups: Group counseling is a great way to feel supported by a therapist and others dealing with similar issues. Clients often feel they get more out of counseling when they not only have the expertise of a counselor, but the support and advice of other group members.
Adults: My first priority is to put new clients at ease and it does not take us long to establish a level of comfort and trust. As a counselor, I am an active, non-judgmental listener. I support individuals through the healing process of loss, help clients decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression, and make positive, healthy changes in their lives and relationships. I have found Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness to be the most effective theories to use with adult clients. We work on changing negative, destructive thought patterns and focus on how messages about ourselves and life greatly influence our happiness. I teach and guide clients through relaxation/meditation techniques to decrease stress and to practice staying in the present moment. We may start or end a session with a relaxation technique when the client and I feel it could be beneficial.
Groups: Group counseling is a great way to feel supported by a therapist and others dealing with similar issues. Clients often feel they get more out of counseling when they not only have the expertise of a counselor, but the support and advice of other group members.