My Approach to Helping
Are you ready to take control of your life? Change can be scary, particularly when other forces are bringing you down. Sometimes you wonder if you can truly get out of bad situations or wonder how to even begin the process. Well, it turns out you already have!! By starting your search for a therapist, you have taken the first step to achieve freedom from whatever is holding you back. As an experienced licensed clinician, I would like to have the opportunity to help you take the next step and the one after, so that you can become truly free and happy.
Over the last 17 years, I have primarily focused my practice in working with women struggling with trauma, grief, difficult relationships and substance abuse. My approach is based on solution-focused therapy and motivational interviewing. In other words, we set small goals that soon amount to big changes.
More Info About My Practice
Support groups are offered for topics related to: codependency, addiction, parenting and mindfulness. Spanish-speaking provider.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES: IMMIGRATION EVALUATIONS These evaluations are typically requested for clients who have been charged or convicted of DUIs andor have mental health diagnoses that require further assessment. Civil surgeons can collaborate with our counselors to make an informed decision on whether or not a patient should be given medical clearance. Please call our office if interested in learning more about these services.
How Psychotherapy Can Help
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management and body image issues. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include: * Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values * Developing skills for improving your relationships * Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy * Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety * Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures * Improving communications and listening skills * Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones * Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage * Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
On the Fence About Going to Therapy?
I can usually handle my problems on my own. People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.
What I Say to People Concerned about the Therapy Process
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly). It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.