Areas of Expertise
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Counseling, Supervision
I provide counseling services for adolescents and adults with mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, and other presenting distresses alongside substance use disorders. ​
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My background as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist has prepared me to work with individuals from all walks of life, vocational and educational experiences, disabling conditions, and mental health/substance use concerns.
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I believe in using evidence-based practices (EBP) to support measurable health outcomes. Examples of EBPs include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness practices, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, The Matrix Model.
Mental Health and Wellness Checkups
So you don't necessarily want to attend "therapy" but you are interested in fine tuning your mental health - including physical health, wellness, and coping strategies. I offer 30-45 minute wellness check-ups via telehealth. Just enough time for us to discuss areas for improvement, facilitate a plan, and schedule our next checkup, typically seasonally.
Substance Use Disorders Counseling
There is a difference between substance use, abuse, and dependence. My goal is to educate you on the differences, help you understand your stage of change, and work with you to cut-down or stop your habit. We will work together to achieve the goals you set forth, at a pace that is reasonable.
Supervision
A Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist is qualified to provide supervision for Certified Substance Abuse Counselors (CSAC) and Certified Criminal Justice Professionals (CCJP). I use the Integrated Developmental Model in practice.
My Approach
Having a professional career can be stressful and overwhelming. Balancing a busy work schedule, social life, family (with or without kids and maybe a fur-baby) and personal life can be difficult to achieve successfully. Sometimes, turning to alcohol or other substances can be an outlet. No one understands what it's like to be you, so you indulge in activities that may not be the right choice. You feel like no one gets it. You're struggling, but you're not sure if it's a problem. You need help from someone relatable, experienced, and genuine.​
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Maybe you no longer enjoy your job, because to be honest, it's not what you see as a "career". You're a professional who's approaching retirement, but you want to continue working. A new graduate, at any level of education, with skills and training yet constant rejections. You're at the right place, right now.
During our sessions, I will use several therapeutic practices. Person Centered Approach will allow openness and trust in our session; I may use Psychoanalytic therapy to help identify unconscious beliefs or identify anxiety and Adlerian to use encouragement; In using Existential therapy, I will help you find meaning in life as well as identifying freedom and responsibility; Lastly, Gestalt therapy may be used to help us reveal behaviors and focus on the “here and now.” Specific techniques I may use include the empty chair, free association, journaling, among others.
During career counseling sessions, we may use the Self-Directed Search, Holland’s Occupational Themes, Keirsey Temperament Sorter, Occupational Outlook Handbook, and O*Net. During career counseling sessions, the counseling and guidance I provide is related to employment. We might talk about other concerns or issues too, but my main focus is on helping you to get and keep a job that matches your goal.
