Welcome! I'm so glad you found my page. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Central Kentucky, with over 20 years of experience in psychotherapy. I have a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky (2001), and have worked in a variety of settings, ranging from urban multi-speciality clinics to a small rural private practice. I love this work, and I consider it an immense honor to be partnered with people walking the path of personal growth.
I believe that one of the most essential tasks for a therapist is to create a safe environment where individuals feel supported and empowered to share their story. I once heard an analogy of the client/therapist relationship being compared to the interaction between a driver and their GPS maps, which I think holds some wisdom. The client owns the car, knows the car best, and likely knows many of the landmarks along the way. The therapist is charged with coming prepared with maps of the most efficient routes to achieve the client's goals, as well as providing encouragement and support along the way.
It's normal to have some nerves leading up to a first session with a new therapist. As such, I like to tailor a first session around what a client feels like they need on that particular day. That could mean diving into the reason for them seeking treatment at this moment in time, a more relaxed "get-to-know-you" session, or anything in-between. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a key factor in what makes therapy work, and that starts in the first session with meeting a client where they are on day one.
