My Approach to Helping
I enjoy working with a wide variety of people. I believe the key to successful rapport building is open and honest communication from both counselor and the client. I believe in meeting a client where they are therapeutically and client by-in. It is important that my clients are active participants in their own lives and lead me in the direction they want to go through counseling. It is my goal to provide a safe space through compassion, validation, empathy, patience, and support. By doing this, the counseling relationship will flourish, and my clients will have greater success. I utilize a variety of techniques and theories based on the needs of my clients. Some of the therapeutic approaches that I utilize include Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Trauma Focused, andPerson-Centered Therapy.
Some of my favorite activities include: Following my teenaged daughter’s around, Reading, going to various sports games, going to the movies, and playing with my dogs Seven, Puppi, and Jessie.
More Info About My Practice
I earned my Master’s degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma, and my Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, with a minor in Sociology. Throughout my graduate and undergraduate internships, I gained experience working with a variety of ages and populations, from children and adults with developmental disabilities, to adults of all ages with chronic mental illness. I have over 20 years of experience in Social Services, Mental, and Vocational Counseling, as well as School Counseling. I completed my internship with Dr. Carolyn Harpole, PhD who is a psychologist in my home town. It was working with Dr. Harpole that led me to working with and advocating for adults, youth, and families with Developmental Disabilities.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
Including, but not limited to: ADHD, Anger Management, Antisocial Personality, Anxiety, Asperger's Syndrome, Autism, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality, Career Counseling, Child or Adolescent, Chronic Impulsivity, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Developmental Disorders, Dual Diagnosis, Eating Disorders, Emotional Disturbance, Family Conflict, Grief, Intellectual Disability, Learning Disabilities, Life Coaching, Life Transitions, Obesity, Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD), Oppositional Defiance, Parenting, Peer Relationships, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self Esteem, Self-Harming, Stress, Teen Violence, Transgender, Trauma and PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury