My Approach to Helping
My therapeutic approaches are mainly Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centered Therapy. With the understanding that a positive therapeutic alliance is one of the most important aspects of treatment, I emphasize the need for empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness as a major part of my approach. I also recognize the significance of the mind-body connection, and I view the client through this holistic lens.
In accordance with the cognitive behavioral model, I will examine a client’s most central ideas about themselves, their core beliefs. I recognize that individuals with varying core beliefs might be presented with the same situation but will think, feel, and behave very differently. It is my goal in therapy to explore these core beliefs as they relate to my clients’ issue(s), with the objective to modify the client’s dysfunctional (inaccurate andor unhelpful) thinking and belief system in an effort to bring about enduring, emotional, and beneficial change.
I am also interested animal-assisted therapy (AAT). Although I presently do not practice this, I aspire to someday adjunctively include this in my treatment paradigm due to the benefits that specially trained animals can provide to patients with varying emotional issues, which include, but is not limited to PTSD. This will amalgamate my background as a Certified Veterinary Technician with my degree in clinical mental health counseling.
I enjoy spending free time with my mixed breed rescue dog, Sativa, as well as with my close friends. I also like to read, play the guitar, and go to continuing education conferences.