I am an adult and couples counselor who strives to help my clients navigate stressors, overcome barriers, and meet their spoken and determined goals. After working in hospital settings, I've seen firsthand how mental health conditions can have ramifications on physical health. My hope is that the stigma of mental health treatment continues to diminish and more folks seek support. Better emotional health equals greater joy.
Depending on the client's needs, I generally utilize cognitive behavioral or solution-focused approaches to therapy. We also review the client's physical health and environmental factors that impact mental health. I work with adults, couples and families of all ages. My clinical focus primarily includes conditions or concerns such as anxiety, depression, intrapersonal and self-care, life events, adjustment to diagnosis, interpersonal relationships, and conflict resolution. I like to intertwine goals with a flexible timeline early in the therapeutic process. As clients verbalize and tweak goals, we build a plan by determining small vs main goals, potential hindrances, and a reward system. As a Christian counselor, I may encourage faith-based goals that align with the plan at the client's request.
We'll start with a brief introduction, including pertinent background details and any expectations. Depending on the client's needs, we may outline the second session or discuss possible home assignments. With the client's permission, I sometimes offer a prayer to get us off on the right footing. I take a relaxed approach at the onset of sessions and adapt with increased structure as needed. Based on client preference, I prefer to let the individual or couple guide the conversation. I occasionally interject with questions, suggestions or gentle challenges.
