My Approach to Helping
I use a strengths-based, collaborative approach in my work with clients. I believe in the human potential for healing, growth, and change. I explore with clients their life experiences and cultural influences as part of identifying areas of strength, as well as building awareness for how these factors may have contributed to challenges in the way they view themselves, their relationships, and the world. I like to help clients identify their successes, interests & talents, and aspects of their lives that are working well as a way to include these in their process for change.
I work to create an environment of compassion, curiosity, and acceptance so that clients can feel at ease as they address their experiences, concerns, thoughts & feelings, hopes & goals. I encourage and support clients to practice new behaviors and strategies in-between sessions as a way to support their growing sense of confidence and self-efficacy. I have experience working with a variety of issues including anxiety, trauma, depression, grief & loss, enculturation, stress management. I have experience working with people of all races and colors who have experienced discrimination and the stress that is often associated with marginalized populations.