My Approach to Helping
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and credentialed alcoholism and substance abuse counselor that has been helping individuals and families in need since 2006. I have worked with adults and adolescents from various age groups and cultures. I use a strengths based cognitive-behavioral approach to empower my clients and to help them overcome negative thoughts. My goals are to help people develop more positive outlooks, refrain from focusing on the past, and identify coping skills. I focus on improving communication and working towards compromises with families and couples.
I feel that everyone's choice of how he or she decides to present him or herself to others should be respected. People should be able to accept differences and maintain an open mind. I treat everyone I meet with the utmost respect and I strive to build a relationship with that individual. A relationship with each client is needed so that they feel comfortable enough to share their experiences with me and accept my suggestions. I remain humble and allow people to teach me about themselves so I can understand them and offer informed interventions. I want my clients to know that they will never be subject to any judgment and that I am their ally. I will never impose my beliefs on them and we will concentrate on what is important to them.
I take pleasure in helping people make progress in their lives. I enjoy actively listening to people in order to understand them, make them feel supported, and build rapport. I also enjoy helping people become aware of their strengths and understand that their challenges are not hopeless situations. I am well-suited to be a therapist because I am patient, knowledgeable, respectful, and personable.