I didn't grow up in a family that recognized mental health struggles, and I spent the majority of my developmental years not putting much stock in clinically significant anxiety, depression, etc., in myself, or others. I experimented with several career options in my early adult years, none of which felt exciting or satisfying. It wasn't until a mentor of mine at the time helped me see that the thing I was most passionate about in everything I tried wasn't the type of work, it was the people. Without realizing it, being a safe space for people in my community was the only thing getting me out of bed in the morning.

This discovery about myself inspired me to explore therapy for myself, where I was the client, and I experienced first-hand the benefit of active listening and unconditional positive regard. Now, as a Licensed Professional Counselor, I have the privilege of giving back the type of care that changed my life to my clients and engaging with a career space that I couldn't make me feel more alive.

There's something about people who have a lot on their plate. Unfortunately. I believe that very often the people who are working the hardest to support their communities will never be able to rationalize putting themselves first and take charge of their mental health by going to therapy I feel incredibly hopeful when I get to work with someone, whom I learn is holding up a lot of other people. I know that the work that we're doing is going to immediately benefit more than just the individual.

It's very important to me that all of my clients know that they are the ones doing the work to create positive traction in their lives. I give the following illustration often, of someone trying to build a house. It seems like a lot of people come to therapy only knowing how to use a hammer and nails and think that I'm going to teach them how to use a drill. I feel like I've done my job well if, by the time they leave my office, they realize that all I've done was help them find the drill that's been sitting in their garage under a pile of junk for years. Despite the insight I can provide. from my clinical experience, I still believe that it's the clients who have the answer to their problems. All this time, what they needed more than anything was a safe space to work it out. If my client leaves believing that I solved their problems for them, then I have done them a tremendous disservice.

Thriveworks clearly goes above and beyond to provide quality mental healthcare while not losing sight of the health and safety of their employees. With Thriveworks, I feel that any concerns that I may have would be adequately addressed and that the teams involved in organizing this community effort understand that health begins first with the healer. I feel that my presence is valued, and I have an entire team behind me assisting me in acquiring anything I need to fill in the gaps where I might fall short.

After practicing for the time that I have, it is clear when someone is coming to therapy to break generational cycles. I take my time and affirm my clients and why what they're doing for themselves matters for more than just themselves and encourage them that way. I. make sure to the best of my ability that they understand that they are honoring the people who came before them that didn't have access to quality mental healthcare, and they are advocating for those coming after them by being perhaps the first person in their family or circle of influence to give therapy a try.

During my first session, I go over housekeeping and as much details as possible. I review my practices, policies and procedures, as well as a few of my own. I give as much room on the front end to allow the client to explore their thoughts on what therapy is and how it can work for them, as well as any previous therapy experiences they've had. The more information I learn about someone the better I can comprehensively understand their world, but I strive to never get so focused on amassing information that I lose sight of the process. This person first came to my office to be heard and understood. We go where the client wants to go at the speed the client wants to go there.

I once heard an anecdotal story about a woman who went to see two therapists. After speaking with the first therapist, she left the room feeling like that therapist was "the most interesting person in the world." she spoke with the second therapist and afterward she left the room feeling like she was "the most interesting person in the world." She ended up working successfully with the second therapist.

Because of what I do, I have the privilege of gaining access to such a unique intimate window into people's lives. Despite the knowledge that I have acquired from that experience, my career exists first to be centered around the client, and not just their problems. I do find myself often. Genuinely curious about how people can do the things that they do and come out intact on the other side. I don't try to hide that curiosity when I'm meeting a client for the first time.

I don't wanna make it seem as though I'm so different from everyone else in my field, but even been told by clients who have been in previous therapeutic relationships that I employ a lot of silence. My clients tend to find it very helpful, especially those who are highly anxious. At the same time, I don't leave them in the dark about why I leave so much space between phrases, especially during the first meeting. I explained to them that as a part of modeling a healthy relationship, they should not feel like they have to fight for the opportunity to speak, I tend to employ a lot of silence to give people the opportunity to experience what it would be like to be able to share their heart on their own time.

I enjoy playing tabletop, role-playing games video games, and hosting events with my wife and friends. During the cool weather months, I enjoy hiking and camping. At any point throughout the year, I can be found actively chipping away at a pile of audiobooks the size of a small mountain.

I have always pried myself in my creativity. I strive to immerse myself in a variety of creative outlets to maintain my imagination despite how old and gray I may one day become.