Sally Flores

Before I began my career as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I had the opportunity to work as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and as an Adult School Teacher. When I would teach my Parent Observation Classes, the parents would often ask me questions that I did not feel qualified to answer. This realization was one of the main reasons I went on to pursue a Master's Degree in Counseling and state license. My clients have been a diverse group: children, individuals, families and caregivers. Some clients have presented with more mild to moderate symptoms while others were more severe. I believe treating clients with many different conditions, symptoms and illnesses has improved my competency and expertise as an LMFT.

My initial approach to therapy is to learn as much as I can about the client and begin formulating a trusting relationship. The client should be able to feel comfortable disclosing his or her thoughts and feelings during sessions. An accurate diagnosis at the onset is crucial for successful therapy since it helps to identify the appropriate treatment modality. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to acquire a multitude of different treatment modalities. I have found that increased clinical experience along with careful study of academic textbooks and other appropriate professional resources can increase one's ability to accurately diagnose and treat clients.

Clients can expect me to describe the counseling modality that they are to receive during sessions. During the initial session, the client will have the opportunity to address his or her goals for the counseling sessions and identify those issues for which he or she is seeking therapy in the first place. I will then provide a time frame for the required therapy sessions based on this information. An intake assessment questionnaire will also completed during the first session. Once this assessment is completed and if time permits, we will then begin an appropriate therapeutic activity.